Members of the WDMH Foundation are committed to working for the WDMH and Dundas Manor, two organizations that support and serve the local community. From the left: Erin Kapcala, Sada Fairthorne, Justine Plummer and Cindy Ault Peters. Courtesy Photo
WINCHESTER – For over 75 years, Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) has provided countless thousands of people with high level medical care and Dundas Manor Long-Term Home has served those people needing round-the-clock care for the past 45 plus years. Since its incorporation in December 1993, the WDMH Foundation has worked with community members to support the Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH), and since 2020, Dundas Manor as well.
The WDMH Foundation is committed to supporting excellence in health care in the community. The staff organizes fundraisers, supports community hosted fundraisers and works to inspire and support donor gifts for both Dundas Manor and WDMH. This work has been accomplished by a team of four staff members, a Board of Directors and a group of dedicated volunteers who assist at various community fundraising events and provide administrative support to the organization.
A 15-member volunteer Board of Directors, drawn from the community, serve for a three-year term which can be extended for an additional two terms explained WDMH Foundation Executive Director Cindy Ault Peters. For those interested in serving on the WDMH Foundation, they should contact the WDMH Foundation office.
Board members also include a representative of the WDMH Auxiliary, WDMH CEO Cholly Boland and chairs of the WDMH and DM Board of Directors. She mentioned that the Chairs of the WDMH Foundation, WDMH and DM boards sit on the other two bords to enhance the collaboration between the organizations.
The building of the new Dundas Manor, with a move-in date of September 2026, has been a focus of the WDMH Foundation fundraising since March of 2020. Ault Peters mentioned the DM fundraising is just over $15 million nearing the community goal of raising $18 million for the build. This figure includes the building itself, as well as equipment, furnishings, etc.
She noted the community has been very supportive of the new home with the funds raised through community donations and fundraising events. One of the major fundraisers for the new Dundas Manor will be the return of the successful Sapphires & Snowflakes event. It is scheduled for Feb. 21 and is to be held in Matilda Hall which is located in Dixon’s Corners. There is more information available on the Facebook page or website of WDMH Foundation.
Ault Peters mentioned fundraising in support of our hospital is primarily used to purchase and update medical equipment, most of which have an approximately 10-year life span and is not funded by the Ontario government. This includes such items as infusion pumps, beds, diagnostic equipment and software upgrades, with the organization purchasing 12 pieces of equipment (including the new CT Scanner) at a cost of $2.6 million in 2025.
Looking at purchasing plans for 2026, she noted the current greatest need is a replacement system of Automated Dispensing Cabinets (ADCs) for every nursing unit, in the Operating Rooms, and in the Pharmacy. These cabinets keep all medications safe and secure in locations easily accessed by nurses, monitor inventory, and dispense medications for patients based on the Physician orders, and verified by a pharmacist. The new system is currently being installed, and contains 18 pieces of equipment, and costs approximately $1.6 million; replacing the older models which are no longer supported by the manufacturer.
“Every gift matters, noted Ault Peters “and together, our donors have helped to make a real difference in the lives of our patients, residents, and their families. The commitment of our community in your support of both WDMH and Dundas Manor inspires our team every day.”
There are several ways that people can donate to the WDMH Foundation. Donations are accepted over the phone 613-774-2422, online, by mail, by hosting or attending a fundraising event, through planned giving, or donating a car. More information can be found on the website located at www.wdmhfoundation.ca, Facebook page or other social media sites.
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Carolyn Thompson Goddard, grew up in Chesterville and attended North Dundas District High School. After completing her BA in Political Science at Carleton University she has worked as a medical secretary and library technician. In 2020 she graduated from Algonquin College with a diploma in Journalism and has been a reporter and column writer for The Chesterville Record for over 10 years.
