For 40 years, Royal University Hospital Foundation backed by its donors from across the province has invested $163 million to support innovative patient care, education and research initiatives at Royal University Hospital (RUH).
“Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, Royal University Hospital’s talented and dedicated individuals and teams have additional resources available to enhance the patient experience at the largest clinical, teaching and research hospital in Saskatchewan,” says Foundation CEO Jennifer Molloy.
Founded on June 17, 1983, the Foundation’s roots go back to as early as 1969 when then hospital CEO Tony Dagnone first began advocating for its creation in order to secure a base of long-term community support for the hospital and fundraise for new programs and research. The Foundation’s inaugural board chair was Bert Ayers and its first executive director was Kathryn Olsvik.
“Our Foundation today is extremely grateful for the vision and leadership taken by our founders and those that followed in their footsteps,” says Molloy. “We look forward to building on their accomplishments and continue contributing to creating a healthier tomorrow for the people of Saskatchewan here at RUH.”
The Foundation’s initial fundraising initiative in 1983 was through selling of “Nevada” tickets at a local bingo hall. The first major gift was from the Women’s Auxiliary of University Hospital that donated $100,000 over two years for the pediatric intensive care unit. The Board’s first major contribution to the hospital was $75,000 for the purchase of a CO2 laser for the eye department.
Over the years, the Foundation has invested funds to purchase the province’s first MRI and PET CT medical imaging scanners, new state-of-the art surgical equipment, build and equip the Irene and Leslie Dubé Centre for Mental Health and most recently, the new Adult Emergency Department. In addition, funds have supported 50 physicians in their pursuit of advanced sub-specialty training and numerous medical research undertakings at RUH.
During its 40th Annual General Meeting on June 13, the Foundation’s volunteer board of directors elected as its chair Joe Vidal, who replaces outgoing board chair Kaylynn Schroeder.
The board also approved its 2022-2023 Annual Report. In it you’ll find four articles profiling the impact donor support is having on patient care at RUH including one about an 83-year-old great-grandmother who was able to have her “broken heart” mended at RUH rather than in Toronto.
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For more information, contact:
Daryl Oshanek, Senior Communications Officer
RUH Foundation
PH: 306.655.0628
daryl.oshanek@ruhf.org
