$100,000 Matching Gift from Maurice and Marilyn Rollins Foundation Aims to Double the Impact of Christmas Angel Campaign

The Belleville General Hospital Foundation is rallying the community to support its Christmas Angel Campaign, with a $100,000 matching gift from the Maurice and Marilyn Rollins Foundation; poised to double the impact of every dollar donated. This generous gesture comes at a critical time as the Canada Post mail strike threatens the Foundation’s ability to meet its annual revenue goals, potentially resulting in a $400,000 shortfall.

With nonprofit organizations across the country struggling to sustain operations, the postal strike has created unprecedented challenges for fundraising efforts. “Our ability to meet equipment commitments for the hospital this year is at serious risk,” said Steven Cook, Executive Director of the BGH Foundation. “This campaign alone contributes a large percentage of our annual revenue. The generosity of the Rollins Foundation gives us hope that our community can rally together and help us overcome this shortfall, not just for us, but for all patients and healthcare workers relying on us to help support care close to home.”

The stakes have never been higher. The hospital relies on community donations to fund life-saving medical equipment that is not covered by government funding. The Christmas Angel Campaign is critical to ensuring that patients like Melissa Sopko, this year’s featured Angel Campaign patient, continue to receive exceptional care. Melissa credits her survival from Stage 3 colorectal cancer to the outstanding team at Quinte Health Belleville General Hospital.

“The care I received at Belleville General Hospital saved my life,” said Melissa. “Without the right equipment and the dedicated team, my story could have been very different. I hope the community will come together to ensure that others get the same chance I did.”  Donors can watch Melissa’s incredible story on the Belleville General Hospital Facebook offical page.

“Donations that BGHF would typically receive through the mail are not coming in, and it’s creating a ripple effect.  I urge everyone in our community to step forward and make a difference. Your support could be the reason someone receives life-saving care,” said Christine Mills of the Maurice & Marilyn Rollins Foundation.

Thanks to the Rollins Foundation, every donation made to the Christmas Angel Campaign will be matched, doubling the impact of every dollar given during this critical holiday season.

How to Donate:
Due to the postal strike, the Foundation is urging donors to use alternative methods:

Online: BGHF.CA/ANGEL
By Phone: (613) 969-7400 Ext. 2061

Every dollar donated will directly support the hospital’s ability to deliver exceptional care and purchase critical medical equipment.  “Our community has always risen to the occasion,” added Cook. “Now, more than ever, we need you to help us ensure that Belleville General Hospital remains a beacon of hope and healing for patients like Melissa.”