Message from Parker Jones
Published Monday, March 28, 2022
Message from Parker Jones
Chair, Board of Directors, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation
One of the questions I hear lately is whether or not the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation will be hosting live, in-person events again this year. These are, of course, essential fundraisers for the Health Sciences Foundation. But they have also become social events in Thunder Bay. Some events have gone on for 20 years now or more – and there are people who attend every single year. Participants have a great time for a great cause, raising money and awareness.
Unfortunately, we do not have any confirmed events yet. But here’s what I can tell you:
- We hope to host the Bachelors for Hope Auction this year at the end of May. More details will be available soon if we are approved to proceed with this event.
- We are also hoping to host the Tbaytel Motorcycle Ride for Dad. This is predominantly an outdoor event, but organizers are still working out the logistics given the large crowds this popular event draws.
- The Tbaytel Luncheon of Hope in October was one of the few in-person events we had last year. This year’s event is still in the planning stages, but we are hopeful it will happen in person.
- The Resolute Save a Heart Ball is also traditionally held in fall, and was an online/takeout event last year. Organizers are looking at bringing back the in-person event this year.
Of course, the main concern is to keep participants and volunteers safe and healthy. Given the planning involved with these large events, organizers usually have to make that call months in advance. COVID to date has been difficult to predict, and we always err on the side of caution. Keep an eye on our events page (healthsciencesfoundation.ca/events) for more information as events are announced.
In the meantime, there are other projects at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre that can use your help right now. Our Hospital is in the process of replacing one of its two Cath Lab suites. This advanced equipment provides cardiac diagnostics and allows for treatments such as angioplasty. Without this vital equipment, patients would have to travel to southern Ontario or elsewhere for these services.
Please, consider making a gift to help us replace and upgrade the Cath Lab suite so we can ensure that everyone gets the cardiac care they need right here, closer to home. You can donate online at HealthSciencesFoundation.ca/Cardiac or call (807) 345-4673.
Thank you,
Parker Jones