October 2022
SMHF FULFILLS $3 MILLION DOLLAR FUNDRAISING PROMISE
The Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation board of directors happily posed for a picture to announce that the Foundation will be giving GBHS $1.3 million as payment toward the CT scanner project for the hospital in Saugeen Shores.

Earlier this year the Foundation gave $1.1 million to GBHS as the first instalment toward the CT scanner. In total, $2.7 million has been given to the project thanks to the amazing support of residents, businesses and clubs across the community.

Just a reminder to those that have a multi-year pledge in place for the CT; please continue to honour your annual pledge even though the campaign goal has been met. Your multi-year pledges are part of that total fundraising and will continue to be directed toward paying off the CT project.

Thank you for your amazing support!

What Inspires You To Donate?
We want to know what inspired you to become a donor or why you feel it’s important to support your local hospital.

The best gifts are those that come from the heart. This upcoming Holiday season, we want to feature your comment/story in some of our upcoming communications (on social media, in radio ads etc. - with your permission first of course).

There are so many vital services and departments within our hospital to offer care for you and your family. The dedicated hospital staff of physicians, technologist, nurses, techs and so much more, can’t do the tremendous work they do without the right equipment. This is just one of the many reasons why donors like you are the heart of our hospital.

Your support has had an incredible impact on the services offered at our local hospital. Just look at the success of the recent CT campaign, and the Holiday campaign before that where you helped raise over $500,000 to purchase a much needed x-ray machine.
 
If you wish to share a comment or story, submissions can be emailed to tmurray@gbhs.on.ca.

We will contact you and confirm we have your permission to share your submission before sharing it publicly.
 
Tracy Murray,
Executive Director
Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation
Site Selected for New GBHS Wellness and Treatment Centre
GBHS is pleased to announce that a location has been selected for a new wellness and treatment centre to support individuals with addictions and mental health issues. The new centre will be located in the former Bayview Public School at 6th Street A East in Owen Sound.
 
GBHS received funding earlier this year from the Ministry of Health to add 36 beds to serve the growing number of individuals in this region in need of addiction and mental health services.

GBHS has seen a 70 percent increase in the past six years of opioid-related hospitalizations, and Emergency Department visits related to opioid use have tripled.
 
“Our government’s goal is to make sure Ontarians get treatment and supports where and when they need it,” said Hon. Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.

“Our investment here will be critical in making that a reality for the communities who receive care from Grey Bruce Health Services.”
 
The existing nine-bed Withdrawal Management Services building on 9th Avenue in Owen Sound was unable to accommodate such an extensive expansion, and GBHS has been looking for a new location. Renovations at the former school will begin shortly, and are expected to take about a year to complete. All services on 9th Avenue will be consolidated into the new location.
 
“Hospitals are not well-suited to the types of care and treatment required by individuals with addictions,” said Gary Sims, President and CEO of Grey Bruce Health Services. “We are excited to open a purpose-built centre, with the right environment, staffing and services under one roof to ensure the best outcomes for clients.”
 
The wellness centre will provide a safe environment for men and women in need of additional and extended support for their recovery journey. These individuals often struggle with homelessness, unemployment, isolation and access to healthcare. This project is the first of its kind in this area, and will have the capacity to accommodate inpatient and outpatient services. 
 
Clients coming to the wellness centre will be able to start in a withdrawal management program and graduate into relapse prevention therapy. The centre will also offer longer-term treatment and supported living units onsite. This comprehensive approach will include space for Indigenous healing; spiritual care; recreational therapy for group activities; and community partner space.
 
Community agencies are interested in working with GBHS to support clients with educational and vocational opportunities within the centre. Once further funding is secured, the plan is to add a teaching kitchen and greenhouse to provide life-skills training. Updates on the project will be posted at www.gbhs.on.ca.
Make your Mark with Registered Funds
By: Willard VanderPloeg
You might be surprised to learn how much your Estate will pay in taxes once all your assets are realized.
 
Instead of so much going to CRA, is there a way to redirect some of this to a charity and still keep full control over what you need to live on in retirement?
 
Happily, the answer is yes
 
You don’t have to give anything up now when you name a charity as beneficiary or alternate beneficiary (after your spouse) of your RSP or RIF plan. You keep full control of what you need for retirement and whatever is left after you pass will go to the charity of your choice.
 
Because you have not paid tax on contributions to your RSP, registered assets become fully taxable income in the year of death when your plan does not roll over to a surviving spouse. The balance of the plan is transferred directly to the charity and a receipt is issued to help offset the income from the deemed disposition. Because the asset passes directly to the charity and not via your will, there are additional saving on probate fees. The charity has no involvement in the administration of your Estate and your gift cannot be contested.
 
Naming a charity as beneficiary of your registered plan could result in a big tax credit on your final return. In some situations there may be tax credits left over to apply to the previous year’s return. Imagine your Estate getting a refund of taxes you’ve already paid!
 
Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation would love to turn the proceeds of your RSP or RIF plan into new medical equipment or hospital improvements in the future. Want to learn more? Visit smhfoundation.ca/legacy to download our fact sheet on giving with your RSP or RIF plan. Our Charitable Giving Advisor, Willard VanderPloeg is happy to answer any questions you may have, or contact your financial advisor to see how this might suit your unique circumstances.
SAUGEEN SHORES OPOLY!
Update -
We have Saugeen Shores Opoly games that were left unclaimed which means we have more for sale; they make great Christmas gifts!

If you would like to purchase a Saugeen Shores Opoloy game, you can do so at the Turtle Crossing toy store in Port Elgin or by emailing info@smhfoundation.ca.

Tracy Murray, Executive Director
Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation
519-797-3230 ext. 3230
Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation | smhfoundation.ca