From Vegetable Stands to Cardiovascular Programs, It's about Connecting with People
Published Monday, August 19, 2024
"The garden is a place of peace and inspiration where I've come up with some of my best ideas and strategies," Jennifer said. "It rejuvenates me and sparks creative solutions for my professional work."
Meet Jennifer Schoffer, Director of Engagement and Donor Experience at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation
Jennifer Schoffer's blend of entrepreneurial spirit and marketing skills came naturally at a very early age.
"It started when I was a young child, working in my Baba's garden and helping to sell her vegetables by the roadside," she said. "Even then, I was focused on connecting with people."
Little did she know that those early days working in her Baba's garden would ignite a lasting love for gardening. Jennifer spends a good deal of her time tending to her pollinator gardens and raising monarch butterflies during the summer. And in the not-summer (there are only two seasons in Jennifer's world...), she's planning for next summer's garden.
Jennifer's path to a career in marketing began during a high school co-op at a physiotherapy clinic, where she realized her passion for promoting programs over patient work. She pursued a Business Marketing diploma from Confederation College and starting working at a local marketing and communications agency. After nearly a decade of agency work, she returned to Confederation College to work in Marketing and Communications, expanding her skills with guidance from excellent mentors. As social media evolved, Jennifer learned how to connect with audiences in new and impactful ways, enhancing her ability to engage and communicate effectively in the new digital landscape.
That's when her passion and work really started to intertwine. A month before COVID hit, she joined Bill Martin's Nurseryland (talk about timing) to help promote the business through social media. Her efforts have been highly successful, establishing it as a premier garden centre in Thunder Bay. During peak gardening season, you'll find her buzzing around the garden centre, helping customers select the best flowers and plants for their spaces—one of her favourite things to do.
One highlight in Jennifer's career was helping to develop a social media campaign for a client in urgent need of a liver transplant. Through the power of social media, a complete stranger stepped forward to offer help, ultimately becoming the perfect match. It was a compelling reminder of how social media can be a force for good, connecting people in meaningful and life-changing ways.
Years later, Jennifer joined the Health Sciences Foundation to help change more lives. The excellent team already in place was a huge draw for her. Soon after joining this past March, she saw the impact the Foundation has. Being part of the 50/50 Grand Prize draw calls has been incredibly rewarding for Jennifer, knowing that one simple call can change a person's life. Jennifer talked about how Glenn Craig had to call April's Thunder Bay 50/50 Grand Prize winner back twice and speak directly to his wife because she didn't believe him when he told her they had won.
"I was in tears by the end of it – it was so life-changing for them. But it's also life changing for the patients who benefit from the equipment and programs we fund."
She knows firsthand from family and friends how important closer-to-home care is, and once helped a family member travel for cardiac care.
"He was afraid of flying, and driving was not an option. It's another reason why I'm looking forward to the new Cardiovascular Surgery Program opening, so more people can get the care they need right here in Thunder Bay."
Now, she's on a mission to connect with others – especially those in her age group – and help them understand how together a community can make a huge impact on closer-to-home care.
"I want to inspire the next generation of healthcare philanthropy," she said.