Revving Up Family Legacy - How Team Member Turned Motorcycle Event into Lasting Memory
Published Wednesday, September 4, 2024
Kristen Pouru, Development Assistant of Philanthropy pictured with her dad Arto Pouru.
Meet Kristen Pouru, Development Assistant – Philanthropy at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation
Kristen Pouru wasn't familiar with the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation before joining the team in November 2023 – but she was well versed in one of the Foundation's signature events. Her father, Arto Pouru, hit the road for the first Tbaytel Motorcycle Ride for Dad back in 2001. He rode together with dear friend Peter Pascuzzo, Lyle Knudsen (Uncle Lyle, to Kristen), John Jurcik, and Michael Comuzzi during the inaugural event. Peter succumbed to his own cancer soon after the 2003 poker run.
Kristen doesn't ride herself, but she's been a passenger with her Dad before. It all came full circle this summer when Kristen worked the event for the first time.
"I've worked several events, but the Tbaytel Motorcycle Ride for Dad is the most exciting," Kristen said. "At the beginning of the event, when the riders all revved their engines in the Roar for the Cure, it was such a moving moment to me."
Arto doesn't ride in the event every year, but he came out to ride this past summer largely because Kristen was there. This year, the event took place on Arto's 65th birthday weekend, which made it extra special. If that wasn't enough, her cousin Kai Knudsen – Uncle Lyle's son – was the top pledge earner at the event raising over $7,000.
Kristen loved being able to see both Peter's brother John and nephew Matt carry on Peter's legacy. Peter was an incredible family man and he is so missed by the Pouru Family. "We have so many amazing memories of Peter," Kristen said.
Even with her connection to the event, Kristen said that she was astonished to see the tremendous impact the Foundation's donors have on local and regional healthcare.
"To me, fundraising means supporting our community," she said. "It's amazing – thanks to the support of our generous donors, now we can get this vital piece of equipment that's so needed for our region. Or, thanks to our generous donors, now we're building that new space for the Cardiovascular Surgery Program. All these things that help improve the Hospital and patient care."
Kristen also hears firsthand all the positive stories from the patients who benefit from that community-supported care.
"You get to see all the good that's happening in the Hospital," Kristen said.
Outside of work, Kristen loves camping and hiking with her husband. She also loves to travel – Kristen did a three month solo trip to New Zealand and Australia some years back, and goes to Europe and the US whenever she can.
The Foundation is miles from where Kristen started. She graduated from the Early Childhood Education program at Confederation College, but soon found she had a passion for marketing. She worked with Selena Owen, now Development Assistant – Events at the Foundation, for a few years in marketing. Selena joined first and encouraged Kristen to follow. That move changed everything.
"When I heard about what the Foundation does, it was a lightbulb moment for me," Kristen said. "I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do with my career. But working here, I know I'm in the right place. I'm very grateful for the awesome team we have here, and I'm proud to be a part of it."