The team was nominated by an anonymous donor, who called them “angels in disguise.” 

“For the way you make everyone who walks through the door feel,” the donor said. “Your smiles, kind words and helpful ways make everyone days a little brighter. Thank you!” 

The Guardian Angel program allows you the opportunity to show your appreciation for exceptional and compassionate care in a meaningful way that helps us change and save lives by ensuring our caregivers have the equipment and facilities they need to provide you with the best possible care.
For more information, call 613-756-3045 ext. 217 or visit www.sfvhfoundation.com/donate/guardian-angels/ 

While you can choose to donate to any one of our healthcare partners, you will make the greatest impact by directing funds generally to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation. This will give the Foundation the flexibility it needs to ensure funds are directed to where they are needed, and when they are needed, the most.

St. Francis Memorial Hospital

Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care

Valley Manor Long Term Care

Money was raised through the sales of homemade bracelets to campers, as well as through a fundraising danced party for the youngsters.

The donated funds will be directed to St. Francis Memorial Hospital to help with the purchase of essential medical equipment.

There are many creative ways to raise funds for St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation. For more information, give us a call at 613-756-3045 ext. 217. 

Tree Lighting Ceremony Honours Loved Ones This Holiday Season

On Friday, December 1st, 2023, the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation celebrated its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Railway Station in Barry’s Bay. The memorial tree was lit in honour and in memory of loved ones.

A special thanks goes out to Madawaska Valley Township for sponsoring the event, including finding, setting up and decorating the tree as well as hosting our celebration at the Railway Station. Thank you to Madawaska Coffee Co for providing the hot refreshments for the evening. A big thanks goes to the hospital dietary department for making the delicious cookies for attendees!

And thank you to Simmons Sport Horses for getting their mini horses all dolled up and sharing them with the community!

Our Hospital Choir was a hit and provided songs during the night. Thank you Sherry Kym and Stan Quesnelle for providing the sound system.

Once again, our angels returned from local elementary schools to help light the tree with our Chief Angel, Dr. Jason Malinowski.

A number of volunteers assisted with the night including Theresa Prince, Theresa Chapeskie, Sue McAllister, Donna Smith, Maxine Smaglinski and even Santa himself!

If you were unable to attend, you can watch the ceremony on our Facebook page.

Read our Tree of Lights Campaign wrap-up newsletter here!

Thanks to donors like you, we were able to purchase a number of items for our healthcare partners in the 2022/2023 fiscal year.

Thank you to everyone who reserved a butterfly for the 2024 memorial release. Reservations are now closed. 

The Memorial Butterfly Release is intended to be a time for families to reflect and honour their loved ones who have passed. The 8th annual event will take place on Sunday, July 28th, 2024 at the Water Tower Park behind the Opeongo Seniors Centre. Registration begins at 1:00 pm with the ceremony starting at 1:30 pm. 

For those picking up their butterflies for a home release, butterflies can be picked up anytime between 12:30 and 1 pm. Note: If you are picking up for a home release, make sure to bring a cooler, ice pack and towel (paper or cloth). Please do not put your butterfly directly on ice. Use the towel to separate your butterfly from the ice. This will keep them cool and dormant until you are ready to release.

The event will feature music and guest speakers, including a healing message from Julie Keon, Life Cycle Celebrant. Those picking up butterflies for a home release can tune into our Facebook page for the live feed that day.

Click Here to Read our 2024 Invite Letter

Memories of the 2023 Butterfly Release

The annual Memorial Butterfly Release was held this past Sunday, June 30th. More than 330 painted lady butterflies were released at Water Tower Park in Barry's Bay and throughout private ceremonies around the Valley. Special thanks to our sponsors including Church Street Flowers Barry’s Bay, Campbell Monument, CO Country Market, Heubner Funeral Home, Barry’s Bay Royal Canadian Legion, Madawaska Valley Lions Club, an anonymous sponsor and the Opeongo Seniors Centre. Thank you to the Yo-Yo Mamas for providing the beautiful music and Stan & Sherry Quesnelle for arranging the sound system. A special thanks goes out to Sarah Wright who delivered butterfly balloons for the children. Thank you to the volunteers who helped ensure that the event was successful. And thank you Julie Keon for sharing heartfelt words about grief and bereavement. Funds raised from the butterfly release will go toward hospice palliative care services in the community. See you next year!

Incorporated in 2001, our very active registered charity works in partnership with three local healthcare organizations in the Madawaska Valley to fundraise for medical equipment & services based on the long-term plans for the healthcare needs of the community. The Foundation raises funds to ensure support for equipment purchases and services at St. Franics Memorial Hospital (including Rainbow Valley Community Health Centre), Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care Program and Valley Manor Long Term Care Home.

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An evening of music and comedy will take place on October 26 at the Barry's Bay Legion, with proceeds going to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation. 

Featuring Blue Rodeo's Mike Boguski and many local greats! More details to be announced soon. 

Thank you to the the organizers for leading this fundraise

Visit https://forms.gle/b4LJyzsw6jCDvTVo9 to sign up!

A total of $2,000 was donated, which will be put toward a Gold Sponsorship for the 20th Annual Friends of St. Francis Charity Golf Tournament. 

Proceeds from the tournament goes toward the purchase of telemetry capabilities at St. Francis Memorial Hospital, where healthcare professionals can wirelessly monitor patient vital signs. 

For more information on golf tournament sponsorship opportunities, click here: Registration Options (donorperfect.net)

Pictured, left to right: St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation Executive Director Erin Gienow, Prom Committee representatives Katelyn Kuehl and Kesley Luckasavitch, and volunteer golf sponsorship coordinator Pat Pilgrim.

*The MVDHS Prom Committee is not affiliated with MVDHS.

The couple asked that in lieu of gifts, that donations be made in their honour to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation for local healthcare needs. Thank you for including us in your special celebration! 

If you would like to do something similar, please contact us and we can help. Call us at 613-756-3045 ext. 217.

Ronnie (known as “Rooster” by many) was the youngest in the family and passed away in his 63rd year in hospice after a brief battle with cancer. 

“The hospital was important to him,” his sister-in-law Mary Yantha said. 

Pictured is Lornie Yantha helping with the stone installation. Standing with Ronnie’s element are, from left to right: Barb Yaskolski, Rose Rita Sernoskie, Mary & David Yantha, and Lornie & Aileen Yantha. 

The In Memory Mural at St. Francis Memorial Hospital gives you the opportunity to honour your loved one(s) in a lasting and meaningful way. The Yantha’s contribution to the Foundation helps ensure that the wonderful caregivers have the tools they need to care for everyone when it is needed the most. 

For more information on the In Memory Mural, visit https://www.sfvhfoundation.com/ways-to-give/in-memory-mural/ or call the Foundation at 613-756-3045 ext. 217.

Don, Ronalda and Roseann purchased a leaf element on the In Memory Mural to pay tribute to their parents who loved their local hospital so much. Doug and Frances were very proud of St. Francis and always admired the tribute walls throughout the hospital. 

“Our parents lived here all their life and St. Francis Memorial Hospital was their hospital,” Ronalda said. 

Having Don and Frances’ name engraved on a leaf element was a fitting way to honour their legacy and help purchase essential equipment for St. Francis Memorial Hospital at the same time. 

Pictured, left to right is Don MacIsaac, Ronalda MacIsaac and Roseann MacIsaac Larabie in front of the leaf element on the In Memory Mural.  

The In Memory Mural at St. Francis Memorial Hospital gives you the opportunity to honour your loved one(s) in a lasting and meaningful way. The MacIsaac’s contribution to the Foundation helps ensure that the wonderful caregivers have the tools they need to care for everyone when it is needed the most. 

He chose to purchase this beautiful duck element on the Memory Mural at St. Francis Memorial Hospital. Richard said healthcare staff were incredible to Earla every step of the way. So, he thought this would be the perfect tribute to Earla while helping his local hospital. 

The In Memory Mural at St. Francis Memorial Hospital gives you the opportunity to honour your loved one(s) in a lasting and meaningful way. Richard’s contribution to the Foundation helps ensure that the wonderful caregivers have the tools they need to care for everyone when it is needed the most. 

For more information on the In Memory Wall, visit http://www.sfvhfoundation.com/donate/landscape-of-life/ or call the Foundation at 613-756-3045 ext. 217.

Tammy was nominated by a grateful patient who wanted to recognize the excellent patient care received while Tammy was working in the emergency department. 

“We really appreciate you for being so kind and caring,” the donor said. “Thank you for all your hard work.”

The Guardian Angel program allows you the opportunity to show your appreciation for exceptional and compassionate care in a meaningful way that helps us change and save lives by ensuring our caregivers have the equipment and facilities they need to provide you with the best possible care.

Mary Ellen was the CNO and Director, Patient Care Services at St. Francis Memorial Hospital since 2016. She is now the new VP Patient Services & CNE at Renfrew Victoria Hospital. 

Her team of nurses here at St. Francis nominated her for a Guardian Angel pin because she has always led with a patient-first focus. During her time at St. Francis, she led the team through the challenges of a pandemic while continuing to be a supportive mentor to the nurses. 

Everyone wishes you the very best in your new role, Mary Ellen! 

The Guardian Angel program allows you the opportunity to show your appreciation for exceptional and compassionate care in a meaningful way that helps us change and save lives by ensuring our caregivers have the equipment and facilities they need to provide you with the best possible care.
For more information, call 613-756-3045 ext. 217 or visit www.sfvhfoundation.com/donate/guardian-angels/

Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care, St. Francis Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department and the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service were each nominated for the exceptional care provided to the late Dorothy Corbeil.

Dorothy’s son, Andre Corbeil, was grateful to each organization and wanted to specially recognize the staff and volunteers who assisted in his mom’s care.

"Thank you for being there. Thank you for being professional. Thank you for being personal. Thank you for your compassion and grace. Thank you for caring for my mom. I know that healthcare professionals deal with death daily, but I don't, and this was my final parent, and I want those involved in her care to know that they made a very difficult time easier for Dorothy and for me."

The Guardian Angel program allows you the opportunity to show your appreciation for exceptional and compassionate care in a meaningful way that helps us change and save lives by ensuring our caregivers have the equipment and facilities they need to provide you with the best possible care.

For more information, call 613-756-3045 ext. 217

Elaine is a Medical Lab Technologist with the Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association. She was recognized by a grateful patient who very much appreciated Elaine’s compassionate care.

“Elaine was very professional and made me feel at ease and not rushed. She explained everything well,” the donor said.

The Guardian Angel program allows you the opportunity to show your appreciation for exceptional and compassionate care in a meaningful way that helps us change and save lives by ensuring our caregivers have the equipment and facilities they need to provide you with the best possible care.

For more information, call 613-756-3045 ext. 217

She was nominated by an anonymous donor who recognized Lorilei’s overall dedication to the Valley Manor team.

“Valley Manor recently went through a challenging time with an outbreak in December and a shortage of staff in the clinical and administrative departments,” the donor said. “During these challenges, Lorilei can be defined as the glue that held the departments together. She filled in wherever needed. She did it with a smile and without hesitation.”

From assisting with feeding residents to administration roles, Lorilei truly has been an angel at the manor.

"She is a breath of fresh air to walk in and see at the front office. She is always smiling, helping the residents and has such a calm demeanor. Her positivity is infectious and is truly needed here at the Manor,” the donor said. “Lorilei even has a little resident fan club that comes to the front office just to see her and her warm smile. That speaks volumes right there.”

The Guardian Angel program allows you the opportunity to show your appreciation for exceptional and compassionate care in a meaningful way that helps us change and save lives by ensuring our caregivers have the equipment and facilities they need to provide you with the best possible care.

For more information, call 613-756-3045 ext. 217

Cheryl was nominated by Shirley Etmanskie, who was grateful for the care received by her great niece. 

“For the kind and loving way she treated my extra special great niece,” Shirley said of the nomination. “She is an Earth angel who went above and beyond anything I’ve seen. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

The Guardian Angel program allows you the opportunity to show your appreciation for exceptional and compassionate care in a meaningful way that helps us change and save lives by ensuring our caregivers have the equipment and facilities they need to provide you with the best possible care.
For more information, call 613-756-3045 ext. 217 or visit www.sfvhfoundation.com/donate/guardian-angels/ 

Memories of the 2023 KAPOA Poker Run

THANK YOU KAPOA for organizing another successful poker run held on Saturday, July 29, 2023. The event raised approximately $36,000 to help purchase a baby isolette for St. Francis Memorial Hospital. Thank you so much to everyone who participated, sponsored, donated and organized the KAPOA - Poker Run !!

*Registration is now full!*

Click Here to Sponsor!

This year we will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Friends of St. Francis Charity Golf Tournament. What started in 2005 as a modest fundraiser for St. Francis Memorial Hospital has become one of the most anticipated events of the golf season.

This year’s tournament will help support the needs of local healthcare, including the purchase a telemetry unit for St. Francis Memorial Hospital. Telemetry monitoring enables healthcare professionals to continually track patients’ heartbeats and see how their hearts are functioning.

Doctors and nurses use telemetry systems to check for abnormal patterns in patients’ hearts that might indicate heart problems. It is wireless so no cables are required, providing better mobility for patients. 

Although registration is full, there are still sponsorship opportunities available.

For more information, click the link above or please contact the Foundation Office at 613-756-3044 ext. 217.  

Fourteen teams rocked throughout the day for local healthcare on Friday, June 21, 2024. 

That day marked the third-annual Rockathon, where participants collect pledges and rock together at the Valley Manor Courtyard.

Opening ceremonies startedwith bagpiper Annadean Kerr, who led the team captains around the Valley Manor courtyard. 

The event is organized by St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation (SFVHF) and a dedicated Rockathon committee consisting of Lisa Yantha, Julie Callon, Jill Vermaire, Susan Bernad and Sharon Florent, and SFVHF Staff Breanne Kuiack and Christine Hudder.

This year, funds raised will go toward local healthcare, including much needed equipment for the Valley Manor such as resident lifts, mattresses, bariatric beds & chairs and more.

Thank you to our incredible sponsors who made this day a success: Rest and Relax Gold Sponsor St. Francis Herb Farm. Recline and Unwind Silver Sponsors Quality Homes and Renovations, Joe Vermaire and Aaron Cope from Royal LePage, Northern Credit Union and Wilno Tavern. Comfort and Soothe Bronze Sponsors Medline, Madawaska Coffee, Fendock, Yuills Valu Mart and V & S Stedmans.

Thank you to the many talented entertainers who kept toes tapping throughout the day including Jack Conners, Kim Shalla, Country Mile, Shakey D, Gwen Coulas with John & Lawrence, the Young at Heart Line Dancers and Joe Bratley. 

More than $27,800 has been raised through Rockathon 2024. Thank you to everyone in the community who pledged their support to a team, rocked, and/or sponsored this year’s event.

What is the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation?

Incorporated in 2001, our very active registered charity works in partnership with three local healthcare organizations in the Madawaska Valley to fundraise for medical equipment and services based on the long-term plans for the healthcare needs of the community.

What organizations does it serve?

The Foundation raises funds to ensure support for equipment purchases and services at:

• St. Francis Memorial Hospital (including Rainbow Valley Community Health Centre)
• Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care program
• Valley Manor Nursing Home

Many people are unaware that the government simply does not provide funding for healthcare equipment. Our local healthcare organizations rely on the generosity of the community to ensure that they have the specialized equipment and support they need to provide exceptional care.

How can I help?

There are many ways you can support the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation.

• Host a third-party fundraising event.
• Take part in one of our signature events throughout the year.
• Make a gift in memory or in honour of a loved one.
• If a local healthcare provider made a positive impact on your visit, recognize them with a Guardian Angel nomination!
• We are always accepting In Memoriam Donations, which is a unique & special way to honour your loved one or ask your lawyer about leaving a Gift in Your Will.
• Consider joining our Monthly Giving Club, and spread your gift overtime throughout the year.
• One-time donations of any amount that benefit local healthcare are always appreciated!

How can I give to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation?

There are a number of ways to help:

• For more information, or if you’d like to simply make an online donation, Click Here.
• We can also be reached on the phone by calling  613-756-3045 Ext. 217
• Gifts can also be mailed to SFVH Foundation, P.O. Box 129, 7 St. Francis Memorial Dr., Barry’s Bay, Ont., K0J 1B0.

For more information, please Contact Us:

The SFVH Foundation is located at the front entrance of the St. Francis Memorial Hospital. Drop in visits are encouraged and welcomed! 

Our office is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Donations can be left at the front desk or our drop box  or by donating securely  on line through this website. Alternatively you can give us a call and we will be pleased to assist you.

St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation

Box 129, 7 St Francis Memorial Dr
Barry's Bay, ON KOJ 1B0

Phone: (613) 756-3045, Ext. 217
Email: office@sfvhfoundation.com

Registered Charity # 89453 4817 RR0001

Our Team

Please feel free to contact a member of our Team for assistance. We’d love to hear from you!

Sustainable giving for exceptional community healthcare

Our Mission

We inspire people to invest in the future of our local healthcare organizations

Our Values

Integrity | Trust | Accountability | Donor First | Respectful Partnerships | Transparency

By giving to the Foundation, we are able to assist with the purchase of critical equipment and services at St. Francis Memorial Hospital, Valley Manor, and Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care.

Read more about our donors and where your money goes. 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact the Foundation office at:

Phone: 613-756-3045 ext 217 or Email: office@sfvhfoundation.com

We are so fortunate at the Foundation to be supported by a hardworking volunteer Board of Directors. Day after day, our Board volunteers bring their passion, insight, experience and resources to the team to help us with our fundraising efforts to ensure that our healthcare organizations have the equipment they need to provide excellent care close to home.

If you are interested in making a difference for local healthcare in your community, consider applying to be on our Board of Directors.

For more information, please contact:

Cheryl Reid, Board Chair
613-756-3045 ext. 217

Thanks to the generosity of our incredible donors, supporters and volunteers, we are thrilled to announce that together we have raised an amazing 1 MILLION DOLLARS which will help bring a new Valley Manor long-term care home to Barry’s Bay!!

Click on the image below to enlarge!

Click Here to Read our 2024/25 In Memoriam and Planned Giving Newsletter

Ways to leave a lasting legacy

There are many different ways to make a planned gift in your will to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation.

Charitable Will Bequests: Allows you to make a major charitable contribution which may not be possible to make during your lifetime.This can be a designated amount of money, personal asset, a percentage or portion of your estate, or the money that remains after all your wishes have been carried out to care for your family.

Stocks and shares: Leave a lasting legacy in your will by leaving shares, stocks or securities to the Foundation.

Retirement funds: When you include St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation as a beneficiary of your RRSP or RRIF, you can ensure your loved ones are still cared for while providing a donation to the Foundation.

Life Insurance: Did you know you could name St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy? Your estate will also receive a charitable tax receipt

Leaving a gift in your will is easy

All it takes is a simple sentence or two in your will.

Simply:

1. Tell your lawyer or the person looking after your will that you would like to make a gift to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation in support of local healthcare.
2. Instruct them to help you revise your Will to include a written statement like the one below.

Sample statement to add to your Will:

“I direct my trustee(s) to pay the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation, Barry’s Bay, Ont., the sum of $_____ (or ___% of my estate, or the gift of _______) to be applied as determined by the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation

Legal Name: St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation

Charitable Number: 89453 4817 RR0001

Address: 7 St. Francis Memorial Dr., PO Box 129 Barry's Bay, ON K0J 1B0

Contact Us: Erin Gienow; Executive Director - erin@sfvhfoundation.com - 613-756-3044 ext. 333

Even a gift in your Will of 1% of your estate can make a difference.

In some ways, leaving a gift in your Will might also allow you to leave a larger gift than might have been possible during your lifetime.

Making an In Memoriam or Tribute donation to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation is a meaningful way to pay tribute to a loved one, friend or neighbour while giving the gift of health.

Acknowledgement of your gift is sent to the family by way of a memorial card.

You may also want to support this program by letting the funeral home know that you would wish to direct all memoriam donations to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation.

This helps your friends and family know of your wish to support the needs of St. Francis Memorial Hospital, Madawaska Valley Hospice, & Valley Manor.

Gifts can be made at the funeral home or directly through the Foundation office as well as online. Please call the Foundation office for more information (613-756-3044 ext. 217).

Click Here to Read our 2024/25 In Memoriam and Planned Giving Newsletter

Sample Wording for Obituaries

If you are organizing your loved one’s obituary and would like some sample wording to help direct donations to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation, feel free to use any of the phrases below:

• In Memory of (loved one’s name) the family respectfully requests donations to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation.
• In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation (St. Francis Memorial Hospital OR Valley Manor OR MV Hospice Palliative Care) would be appreciated

Meet some of our In Memoriam families:

Would you spend $15 a month to ensure that the hardworking staff at St. Francis Memorial Hospital have the equipment they need to care for us all when it is needed most?

Click Here to Read Our 2024 Update

The St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation is always looking for new members to join the St. Francis Circle Monthly Giving Club. This club is a special group of people who commit to making a gift each month to help the needs of our hospital. Your monthly membership means so much to us and the patients we support.

Monthly gifts can be automatically donated from your credit card or through your bank account by sending us a void cheque.

For more information about becoming a Club Member, please contact us at:

613-756-3044 extension 217, or click on the button below to sign up!

Become A Monthly Giving Club Member

Meet some of our Monthly Giving Club Members!

When you give a donation to the St Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation you are making an impact on local healthcare in our community, helping provide care givers from the St Francis Memorial Hospital, the Valley Manor and Madawaska Valley Hospital Palliative Care with the tools they need to look after precious patients and their families.

Over the next few years, critical priorities will include the redevelopment of Valley Manor for 90 long term care residents as well as the enhancement of the Hospital’s Emergency Department

Thank you for choosing us as a charity worthy of your support! We could not hope to do the work we do without you as our partner.

Every kind gift, no matter the size, is important to us and makes an impact on continuing to have local healthcare in our community, close to home, where we need it most.

Donate Now

Although he started life as a humble dairyman delivering milk around the Valley, he eventually relocated to work in the mines. 

It was there he suffered a workplace injury that would change the trajectory of his career forever.

John joined St. Francis Memorial Hospital first working as an orderly and eventually becoming a pharmacy technician. He was asked by Sister Rosenda Brady if he would be interested in starting the ambulance service, which he did on January 1, 1971.

Although his healthcare career led him to other places over the years, his daughter, Joanne Truskoski, said St. Francis Memorial Hospital was always home for John and his family. John’s wife, Ursula, was born and raised in Barry’s Bay and served as a member of the hospital auxiliary. 

“I was born at St. Francis Memorial Hospital and to this day, we continue to have our health care managed by Dr. Jason Malinowski and his team,” Joanne said. “Barry’s Bay has always been home no matter where we’ve lived and our ties to the community and to the hospital have always remained strong.” 

At 84 years of age, John passed away on June 27, 2021. His family directed In Memoriam donations to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation, to be used for the highest priority needs.

“We are so proud of the quality of care provided in the hospital and we will always support its growth and further development so that it continues to be such an incredible local resource for so many,” Joanne explained. 

The family also purchased an element on the memorial wall at St. Francis Memorial Hospital, so that John’s memory will be kept alive in the hospital that meant so much to him. 

“It’s wonderful that people don’t have to leave the area for health care services because so much is available right here at home,” Joanne said.

She enjoyed baking and quilting, and could be found at her parish’s Christmas craft sale, selling her knit ware and crafts. As her children put it, her doors were always open; she always had treats on hand to welcome friends and family to her home.

“She was an easy-going private person, who always put everyone else’s needs before her own,” her son Don Burchat said. “She was an optimistic person.”

Monica recognized the need for quality healthcare in her community, especially during after her husband Felix was admitted to St. Francis Memorial Hospital in 1993 with Stage Three cancer.

“She saw a lot of what was going on in the weeks he was here at the hospital,” Monica’s daughter Carolyn Prince said. “She saw the excellent care that he received.”

Monica became involved with the hospital auxiliary and frequently donated her knitted items to sell in the gift shop.
St. Francis Memorial Hospital always felt like home to Monica, especially after she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She became nervous when she had to travel for out-of-town appointments. That all disappeared when she came back to St. Francis.

“It was home,” Carolyn said.

Monica passed away at the Valley Manor at the age of 83 on February 15, 2021. Her family will eternally be grateful for the quality care Monica received at St. Francis and at the Manor.

When Felix had passed, Monica wanted to purchase an element in his name.  

“It was important for mom to get a leaf for dad because of the care he received at the hospital,” Carolyn said.

When their mom passed, the family wanted to do the same for Monica to recognize the excellent care she received at the hospital throughout her lifetime.

The Lorbetskies knew how important local healthcare was to the community. Ronald experienced a long battle with cancer before passing away on May 7, 2022 at the age of 72. He managed to stay home as he had wished up until the last few days, where he passed at hospice.

Joyce asked loved ones to donate to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation in memory of Ronald. The Foundation raises funds for three local healthcare partners, including Madawaska Valley Hospice, Valley Manor and St. Francis Memorial Hospital.

“We ourselves have used the hospital many times,” Joyce said. “The staff is wonderful, and I am grateful for the treatment that Ron received in the last moments of his life.”

As someone who loved to spend time at the hunt camp and enjoyed being outdoors, Ronald had always been interested in a duck element on the Memorial Mural inside St. Francis Memorial Hospital.

Joyce honoured that wish by purchasing the element in her husband’s name.

“I think it is fitting because he spent a lot of time at the hospital,” Joyce said.

It surely was the perfect tribute to a man who gave so much to his family and his community.

They were always grateful to have a hospital nearby.

“Although Dad was lucky enough not to need the services of the St. Francis Memorial Hospital, his family and friends did,” Lori said.

As the years passed, Joe and Louise made the decision to sell the family cottage that they owned for 48 years. Louise passed away at home in August 2020 at the age of 78. Joe passed away four months later at the Grand River Hospital in Kitchener at the age of 87.

As one of his final gifts to his beloved Barry’s Bay, Joe left a gift in his will to the Foundation, to be directed to St. Francis Memorial Hospital.

“Dad loved Barry’s Bay and wanted to give back to his hometown,” Lori said. “He included a donation in his will to St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation which was gifted after his passing in December 2020.”

Creating a gift in your will for local healthcare is the simplest way to create a legacy of everlasting care. Legacy gifts provide vital, stable support for the work of our healthcare teams and whether your estate is large or small, you can make a difference for so many patients and families in our communities and provide quality care for years to come.

For more information, visit www.sfvhfoundation.com or call 613-756-3045 ext. 217.

She was a proud supporter of local healthcare, and was one of the original members of the MV Hospice Palliative Care Board. She served as an Honourary Chair of the Giving Wings to Hospice Campaign, which helped bring a two-bed hospice to the Madawaska Valley. 

Eva’s journey eventually led her to Miramichi Lodge in Pembroke, where she passed at the age of 85 years on February 10, 2023. Her daughter, Patricia Hazelton, said it was important to Eva to leave a lasting legacy on local healthcare by including a gift in her will to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation.

“Over the years, living in the area, the hospital and the services offered were never taken for granted by Eva,” Patricia explained. “Having a facility of such high quality, she considered it a blessing.”

Creating a gift in your will for local healthcare is the simplest way to create a legacy of everlasting care. Legacy gifts provide vital, stable support for the work of our healthcare teams and whether your estate is large or small, you can make a difference for so many patients and families in our communities and provide quality care for years to come.

For more information, visit www.sfvhfoundation.com or call 613-756-3045 ext. 217.

Later, he came to Canada to work on a farm in Newmarket and then took a job working on an assembly line at De Havilland, an aircraft manufacturer.

Jan was a boy scout in Poland, so when the Polish Scouts started to develop a centre in Kaszuby in 1950, he helped build the chapel. He was also one of the founding members of SPK in Toronto (Polish Combatants Association which is an international association of Polish ex-servicemen and women).

Jan met his future wife Janina Fedorowicz in Toronto. The two loved visiting Kaszuby as it reminded them of Poland. The couple purchased a waterfront lot on Kamaniskeg Lake, where they built their cottage.

After 30 years working at De Havilland, he retired and they spent summers at the cottage and winters in Toronto.

Executor of his estate and Jan’s nephew’s wife, Anna Sotnicki, said it was important to Jan and Janina that they supported St. Francis Memorial Hospital.

“Jan once spent time at St. Francis Hospital recovering from a heart attack and was grateful for the wonderful care he received,” Anna said. “There were also quick trips to the ER for the inevitable injuries sustained while working around the cottage. The hospital provided the care they needed and they were grateful for it.”

Janina passed in 2018, followed by Jan on Nov. 8, 2020. Their final resting place is at St. Mary’s in Wilno. Jan and Janina’s generous gift will help ensure the future of local healthcare for generations to come.

They moved from the GTA recently and have started volunteering for local healthcare organizations.

“As new full-time residents in the Barrys Bay Area, we are so grateful for our local healthcare network,” Susan said. “Through our own volunteering efforts, we have seen firsthand the incredible work our healthcare providers do for our community, so we decided to become monthly contributors to the St. Francis Circle Giving Club.”

To join Susan and Shawn as a monthly donor, contact the Foundation at 613-756-3045 ext. 217 or sign up online at https://bit.ly/3M3YDMD.

“She was on a mission to improve healthcare in the region and her way was to become directly involved on boards and committees and such,” her son Andre Corbeil said.

Dorothy battled lymphoma and spent her final days at Madawaska Valley Hospice, where she was cared for by the exceptional staff and volunteers. She died December 6, 2023, “after a fulfilling and happy life” her obituary (which she wrote) read.

“We - my brother and I - didn't choose the Foundation for donations, my mother herself did,” Andre said, touching on the fact that Dorothy thought of every last detail. “I can certainly speak to how important the hospital and hospice were to me at the end of her life and that my mother knew how important they would be when and if she should need them.”

It was important to Dorothy to leave a lasting legacy on local healthcare. She asked that In Memoriam donations be directed to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation in her name for the greatest need at either the hospital, Valley Manor or hospice.

“She wanted the Foundation to be the designated donation recipient because she was so proud of all you do for the community,” Andre explained. “Not just the hospital, but healthcare workers overall.”

Asking for In Memoriam donations to go to the greatest need ensures our partners at the hospital, Valley Manor and hospice have the tools they need to offer exceptional healthcare close to home.

It’s as simple as asking that “in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation.”

She was the daughter of Henry J. Chapeskie and Rose C. Chapeskie and pursued a degree in pharmacy at the University of Toronto. In 1954, she opened Lorraine’s Pharmacy, the first in Barry’s Bay. Her husband Ron was also a pharmacist, who worked alongside Lorraine until his death in 1975.

Lorraine went on to raise her six children alone, while running her pharmacy. As the children got older, she joined the Canadian Cancer Society and served as president of the local branch. It was a way of honouring her late husband.

Her son John said his mother had a firsthand perspective on local healthcare on the community and was so very supportive of it.

“Mom recognized that local healthcare is one of the foundations of our community,” he said. “She worked within it for 40 years and like all of us she sought the services provided by it when needed. She fully understood that supporting the health and wellbeing of her fellow citizens would be better achieved in dedicated healthcare facilities staffed with creative and empowered people.”

She actively supported the healthcare teams operating withing the community, at the hospital and at the Valley Manor. When she passed at the age of 92 in 2022, her children wanted to honour her by dedicated In Memoriam donations to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation.

“Choosing Memoriam donations to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation upon her passing was something that we as a family knew she would support wholeheartedly,” John said.

The family also chose to purchase a stone on the Memorial Mural to honour their late mother.

“Her dedication to supporting the work of our healthcare teams in the community, at the hospital, and at the Valley Manor, as the town’s first pharmacist, should not be forgotten,” John said. “It was important for our family to publicly recognize her for all of her efforts by purchasing a stone on the Memorial Mural. It also serves as a reminder to all of us who follow that we need to continue with her work.”

“For 40 years he required the professional services of this unique healthcare facility,” Gerard’s sister Joan Cybulski said. “Gerard had great admiration for the staff, services and the care he received over the years.”

He also had a special place in his heart for the Valley Manor, since it was a place for seniors and those with disabilities to live without leaving their home community.

When he was diagnosed with cancer, he experienced quality care from the Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative team.

Gerard made it a priority to assist St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation, which raises funds for Hospital, Hospice and the Valley Manor. As co-owner at the Barry’s Bay Metro, he would support the many events and programs initiated by the Foundation. Even after he passed on February 29, 2024, Gerard had directed his family to request that in memoriam donations be made to four local charities, including the Foundation.

He wanted donations to go to the greatest need, which allows the Foundation to direct funds when and where they are needed the most.

By doing this, and through his overwhelming generosity over the years, Gerard helped create a lasting legacy and will ensure healthcare remains local for generations to come.

The couple has been longtime Monthly Giving Club members because they couldn’t imagine their community without a hospital.

“Our hospital is such an important part of our community,” Helen said. “We are so fortunate to have this amazing resource. We have benefited from many life events, births and deaths and some broken bones in-between. But mainly we have done it at home and that’s what our hospital provides us, is a home.”

To join Frank and Helen as a monthly donor, contact the Foundation at 613-756-3045 ext. 217 or sign up online at https://bit.ly/3M3YDMD.

It gives the Foundation money that it can depend on every year, to help pay for critical items at St. Francis Memorial Hospital.

Cheryl juggles her volunteer role and a full-time job, so becoming a monthly donor was an easy decision.

“Supporting our local healthcare is critically important, but life is busy and gets messy so the Monthly Donor program makes is easy and convenient,” Cheryl said. “A monthly donation is easier to budget and at the end of the year the tax receipt reminds you of how good it feels to donate. Every dollar counts.”

To join Cheryl as a monthly donor, contact the Foundation at 613-756-3045 ext. 217 or sign up online at https://bit.ly/3M3YDMD.

Thank you to everyone who supported the 2023 Tree of Lights Campaign. Funds from the campaign will go toward local healthcare, including the purchase of a new mammography machine for St. Francis Memorial Hospital.

Click here to read our Tree of Lights newsletter

EVENT IDEAS

When it comes to event ideas, the opportunities are endless. We’ve started this list to get your creative juices flowing. Feel free to use some of these ideas or make your event entirely your own!

• Garage Sale
• BBQ
• Dinner Party
• Run/Walk
• Sporting Event
• Party/Function
• Raffle
• Bake Sale
• Trivia Night
• Church Function
• Arts and Crafts Sale/Show

TIPS FOR EVENT SUCCESS

• Choose an event
• Pick a date and time for your event
• Get to know the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation. People are more likely to donate when you can clearly articulate why a cause is important and why you need their support. Visit our website to learn more about us.
• Form a volunteer event planning committee. If your planning committee has enough members to share tasks and a variety of skills & experience, you will have the right formula for a winning event.
• Create a work plan (and budget if necessary – an organized event is a successful event). Be sure to research whether your event will require any special permit, licenses, and/or insurance.
• Promote your event
• Have a back-up plan. Make sure you have a ‘plan B’, especially if your event is dependent on factors like the weather.

SUPPORT FROM THE ST. FRANCIS VALLEY HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION

• Publicity and promotion via St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation’s social media pages including Facebook, our website, & display monitor (see below for more details)
• Recognition - We are pleased to make arrangements with local newspapers to cover the event and/or if possible be present for cheque presentations.

DONATIONS / TAX RECEIPT GUIDELINES

• Please contact the Foundation if you have any questions regarding tax receipts.

PUBLICITY AND PROMOTION

• Eye-catching flyers, tickets, & other promotional materials will help make your event a success. The correct usage of the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation’s name or logo is very important to us. Foundation staff will be available to work with you to approve the use of the name and logo prior to the event or distribution of materials. All promotional materials should make clear, where applicable, that the funds are being raised in support of the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation rather than by the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation.

Thank you for your interest in hosting your own fundraising event on behalf of the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation. Every little bit counts and we appreciate your efforts to help us raise money to support local healthcare in your community.

Once you have an idea for the type of event you would like to host, please contact us at:

613-756-3044 ext. 217 or office@sfvhfoundation.com.

Call us for more information and assistance. We would love to help you surprise someone with this special honour!

Donate Now

Perhaps the receptionist has gone out of their way to help you with a phone call, the administration office assisted you to get the information you need quickly, a volunteer helped you at the door and gave you that smile you needed, or the great care staff at our healthcare organizations provided you or a family member with extra special care when you needed it most.

We are so very proud of everyone who makes up our community's wonderful healthcare team!

The Guardian Angel program allows you the opportunity to show your appreciation for exceptional and compassionate care in a meaningful way that helps us change and save lives by ensuring our caregivers have the equipment and facilities they need to provide you with the best possible care.

And... Your Guardian Angel will be presented with our unique Angel pin to wear with pride.

Your kind gift, of any size, will be used for the most urgent community needs at our healthcare sites (St. Francis Memorial Hospital, Valley Manor and MV Hospice Palliative Care.

Nominate your Guardian Angel today by contacting the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation.
We'll ensure they know just how much they are noticed and appreciated!

Thank you for helping keep local health care strong in our community by honouring your Guardian Angel!

Donate Now

Meet Some of Our Guardian Angels!

This beautiful mural is a depiction of the view of a landscape typical of what you might see in our local area from the eye of the artist, Donnie Burchat of Wilno. The elements on the mural are made from the many different types of wood native to this area.

Elements like leaves, ducks, stones etc. are engraved as a way of honouring or remembering someone special. The Foundation allows for In Memoriam donations to be used by family members towards the purchase of an element in appreciation for their support of the Hospital by directing In Memoriam gifts to the hospital.

For more information and pricing, please click here to view our In Memory Mural brochure, call us at 613-756-3045 ext. 217 or drop by the Foundation office and pick up a brochure.

Meet some of our In Memory Mural families:

With the support of individuals and organizations throughout our large catchment area, we have developed a variety of ways you can give.

​For further information about any of our programs, please contact SFVH Foundation at 613-756-3045 ex 333.

Just recently, she celebrated her five-year anniversary of being cancer free, which inspired her to give back to the hospital where her journey first started.

Eleanor and her husband moved to the Valley in 2013. Following a routine mammogram at St. Francis Memorial Hospital in 2015, she received the news that she had early stage breast cancer.

She underwent a mastectomy, followed by another shortly after. The procedures were a success and Eleanor was declared cancer free.

Eleanor prides her early detection at SFMH, along with the knowledgeable staff here at St. Francis, with her quick recovery. She recently made a donation to the Foundation, recognizing every year she has been cancer free.

“I am proud of our little hospital,” she said.

Eleanor’s generous gift will go towards local healthcare including the purchase of critical medical equipment for our hospital.

If you’d like to recognize a special milestone and help local healthcare, call 613-756-3045 ext. 217.

Whether it's a concert, raffle, ticket draw or a special fundraising event hosted by the Foundation, there are many opportunities for someone to get involved in helping community healthcare.

If the St. Francis Memorial Hospital, Madawaska Valley Hospice or Valley Manor holds a special place in your heart because of a personal experience or that of a family member or friend, we would love to hear from you!

To share your story and experience, please contact us at: St Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation

p: (613) 756-3044 ext 333
or email us at: office@sfvhfoundation.com

Ace of Spades found after 35 weeks on June 8, 2023!

Congratulations to Eve Barnes of Ottawa and Round Lake Centre, winner of the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation’s Catch the Ace progressive draw – lottery 6!

Eve bought her ticket from Round Lake Centre Food Market, as she had done in the past. She chose number 28 because it was “just sitting there in the middle of the board.” Not only was her ticket picked during the Week 35 draw on June 8^th earning her the weekly prize of $2,408, she managed to find the Ace of Spades – meaning she also won the progressive jackpot of $68,038.50!  

She plans on sharing some of the funds with family and finally completing a few projects around the house. Eve said she supports the Catch the Ace draw because she already feels like a winner just purchasing tickets, as proceeds raised goes toward the purchase of medical equipment for St. Francis Memorial Hospital.

As longtime cottagers to the area, the Barnes family is grateful to have a local hospital nearby. Eve brought her daughter Tara and son Mike to the cheque presentation, and was congratulated by Catch the Ace volunteers, St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation Board members and hospital staff.

Thank you to our incredible group of Catch the Ace drivers and counters and to the vendors who sold tickets every week including: Round Lake Centre Food Market, Round Lake Country Store, AJ’s Convenience, Killaloe Hardware, Wilno Building Supply, Charlie D’s, Barry’s Bay MacEwen, the Foundation office, Valley Manor, Barry’s Bay Ultramar, Lorraine's Pharmasave, Barry’s Bay Shell, CO Country Market, The Cottage Cup, Eganville Shell, Conway’s Pharmacy, Village Discount and Variety, Ramona’s Hairstyling and Whitney Pharmacy.

Stay tuned for another round of Catch the Ace lottery – coming soon!

Here’s how the lottery works

The lottery starts with 52 playing cards individually sealed in manila envelopes numbered 1 through 52 and secured in a display case. Nobody knows which envelope contains the Ace of Spades – until the lucky winner catches it!

When tickets are purchased, supporters will be asked to pre-select an envelope number on their ticket stub.  The lucky weekly winner takes home 20% of that week’s ticket revenues and the envelope number selected on the ticket will be opened to reveal a playing card. If the card is not the Ace of Spades, the card will be destroyed and the lottery continues for another week.  If the card is the Ace of Spades, the weekly winner also wins the progressive jackpot!  The progressive jackpot grows each week with 30% of weekly ticket sales revenue being added in.

For complete rules and regulations, click the link below.

REMAINING ENVELOPES FOR LOTTERY 6 (starts Oct. 6th 2022)

WEEKLY WINNERS FOR LOTTERY 6 (First draw held Oct. 13, 2022)
Click the image below to watch the corresponding draw.

The St. Francis Healthcare Foundation ("SFVHF") is committed to protecting the privacy of our supporters.  We value your trust and recognize that maintaining this trust requires that we be open and accountable in our treatment of the Personal Information that you choose to share with us. We do not trade, rent or sell Personal Information.

The following principles reflect our pledge to safeguard your Personal Information pursuant to this Privacy Policy.

1. We are accountable for your Personal Information
   "Personal Information" is any information about an identifiable individual. This information includes whether an individual has donated to the SFVHF, how much has been donated and an individual's private contact information. We keep the Personal Information that you provide to us in strict confidence.
   Our employees, Board Members and volunteers sign confidentiality agreements and only access Personal Information on a need-to-know basis in order to perform their job function. Safeguards are in place to ensure that Personal Information is not accessed, disclosed or shared more widely than is necessary to achieve the purpose for which it was gathered. We also take measures to ensure the integrity of this information is maintained and to prevent its being lost or destroyed. Individuals may access their Personal Information at any time to ensure that it is correct and current.
    
2. We collect, use and disclose Personal Information for the purposes that we identify to you
   We may collect information from you in the following ways:
   • Information that you provide to us;
   • Information we or our service providers collect about you from our interactions with you (for example, when you use our website or other technology); and
   • Information we obtain from third-party sources.

When the SFVHF collects Personal Information directly from individuals, the SFVHF identifies the purposes for which Personal Information is collected at or before the time of collection. These purposes include: fundraising, the administration of the donations, providing information about the activities of the Foundation and its Healthcare Partners (St. Francis Memorial Hospital Association, Valley Manor Inc., Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care), marketing, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and to ask for support in our mission to inspire individuals to support exceptional healthcare in our community.

3. We obtain your consent to collect, use or disclose your Personal Information
   We collect, use or disclose your Personal Information with your permission. Your permission may be expressed orally, in writing or may be implied, and you may provide it to us or a third party orally, electronically or in writing. You may limit or opt-out of future contact by the Foundation by contacting us at office@sfvhfoundation.com.
    
4. We limit the collection of your Personal Information
   We limit the collection of Personal Information to that which is necessary for the purposes identified. Personal Information will be collected only by fair and lawful means.
    
5. We limit the use, disclosure and retention of Personal Information
   Personal Information will not be used or disclosed for purposes other than those for which it was collected, except with consent or as required by law. Personal Information will be retained only as long as necessary for the fulfillment of those purposes. The Foundation does not trade, rent or sell any Personal Information to third parties.
   We only disclose your information to the following entities / persons unless anonymity is requested:
   • Healthcare Partners (St. Francis Memorial Hospital Association, Valley Manor Inc., Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care), on an as needed basis;
   • certain service providers that conduct activities on our behalf (as described below);
   • other registered charities when we conduct joint fundraising activities with them;
   • law enforcement or Canada Revenue Agency officials if it relates to a criminal investigation, alleged illegal activity, or as required by law; or
   • other persons, with your consent.  

Where we choose to have certain service providers conduct activities on our behalf (such as some fundraising and processing services), we select the service providers very carefully and take all reasonable precautions to ensure that the service provider protects your Personal Information.  For example, the Foundation's web pages contain online forms that allow visitors to make a donation. The personal and credit card information provided on these forms is used only to process these donations. Online donations to the Foundation may be processed through third parties.

6. Accuracy of Personal Information
   We rely on our donors to provide us with accurate Personal Information. To change or modify any Personal Information previously provided to the Foundation, write to us at: St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation, PO Box 129, 7 St. Francis Memorial Drive, Barry’s Bay, ON, K0J 1B0 or send an email to office@sfvhfoundation.com.
    
7. We safeguard your Personal Information
   Personal Information is protected with security safeguards appropriate to the sensitivity of the information.  We use password protocols and secure websites to protect Personal Information we receive when an online donation is made. Our software is routinely updated to maximize protection of such information.
    
8. We are open about our privacy practices
   We make our practices relating to the management of Personal Information available to you by posting the Foundation's Privacy Policy on our website. You may request a print version of our Privacy Policy by contacting the SFVHF.
    
9. We allow you to access your Personal Information
   You may ask us whether we hold any Personal Information about you. You can see that information and ensure that it's accurate by contacting the SFVHF.
    
10. Compliance with our privacy practices
    If you are concerned about the SFVHF compliance with our Privacy Policy, please contact the SFVHF.  We will investigate all complaints. If a complaint identifies a gap in compliance, we will take appropriate steps to remedy the situation, including changing our policies and practices if necessary.  

Contacting the Foundation

Questions, comments and concerns regarding the handling of Personal Information may be directed to the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation, PO Box 129, 7 St. Francis Memorial Drive, Barry’s Bay, ON, K0J1B0 or an email to office@sfvhfoundation.com.

If you wish to limit or opt-out of future contact by the SFVHF, please write to us at: St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation, PO Box 129, 7 St. Francis Memorial Drive, Barry’s Bay, ON, K0J1B0 or an email to office@sfvhfoundation.com.