Canadian Tire owners Dennis & Sheila McCullough donate $10,000 to #KristinsCamino fundraiser

The journey from Belleville to Spain has inspired a powerful act of local generosity. Belleville Canadian Tire owners Dennis and Sheila McCullough presented a $10,000 cheque to the Belleville General Hospital Foundation in support of a new tissue processor for Quinte Health’s regional laboratory — a vital diagnostic tool for cancer and other serious diseases.

Dennis McCullough, a well-known community pillar and passionate healthcare supporter for over 30 years, was moved to give after following Kristin’s inspirational Camino de Santiago trek through northern Spain. The trek, led by local realtors Judi Rufo and Doug Peterson, sparked a wave of compassion and giving across the region, raising over $111,000 through more than 260 individual donations.

“We’ve been blown away by the response,” said Judi Rufo, speaking on behalf of the Camino trio. “To not only meet but exceed our original goal has been incredible. It really inspires us to keep going and do more — the hospital certainly needs it, with an equipment backlog of over $12 million in urgently required replacements.”

The McCullough’s’ $10,000 gift was further amplified by a $25,000 matching donation from BGHF Board Chair Wayne Sheppard, who was also on hand for the presentation.

“One of the things that always resonates with me,” Sheppard shared, “is that we are all going to need the services of our hospital one day. That’s why I continue to give.”

“The funds will help bring a new tissue processor to the Belleville General Hospital site” said Foundation Executive Director Steven Cook. This essential piece of medical equipment plays a critical role in the processing of biopsy samples, helping pathologists diagnose cancers and other life-threatening illnesses quickly and accurately — saving both time and lives.

The Camino journey may have started half a world away, but thanks to the generosity of donors like the McCullough’s, the real impact is being felt right here… ‘close to home’.

Photo Credit (left to right): Judi Rufo (Rufo Real Estate), Wayne Sheppard (BGHF Board Chair), Kristin Crowe, Dennis McCullough (Canadian Tire Owner). Please note, Sheila McCullough absent.