Long-term friends Linda McBurney and Rosemary Bolitho have generously made a $1.66 Million gift of a lifetime to Huntsville Hospital Foundation with the sale of their Lake of Bays cottage.
In May 2021, Linda was receiving weekly chemo treatments. Instead of travelling elsewhere for care, Linda asked if Huntsville Hospital had a chemo clinic where she could access treatment in our community and still enjoy summer at the cottage. “I was surprised to learn that Huntsville Hospital offered a satellite chemo clinic,” said Linda.
When it was time to sell the cottage, they wanted to support the community that brought their families and friends together. “The cottage is located in Lake of Bays, and it is important to us that the funds from the sale of the cottage remain in the community,” said Rosemary.
A cottage is a unifying point in the lives of many. “Throughout life, family may live in different cities or even countries, but there is only one family cottage. A destination that brings family together. I am grateful for the care I received at Huntsville Hospital and happy to support a community that holds so many wonderful memories for us,” said Linda.
“Receiving a donation to this magnitude does not happen every day. The generous donation is the largest non-estate gift from a donor in the history of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation,” said Katherine Craine, Executive Director, Huntsville Hospital Foundation. “We are forever grateful and thankful for the leadership and generosity of Linda and Rosemary. Thank you for choosing to allow the Huntsville Hospital Foundation to be a part of your legacy in such a meaningful way,” adds Katherine.
“On behalf of the entire team at Huntsville Hospital, I would like to express my most sincere appreciation to Linda and Rosemary for this incredible gift and my gratitude for their compassion for our Huntsville site,” stated Cheryl Harrison, President & CEO, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare.
The historic and transformational gift from Linda and Rosemary will help ensure our community has access to the most advanced medical equipment, here.
About Huntsville Hospital Foundation
Huntsville Hospital Foundation is a fundraising organization dedicated to improving healthcare services for residents of Muskoka and East Parry Sound. A registered charity since 1984, its mandate is to provide ongoing capital and education resources for Huntsville District Memorial Hospital that is not covered by provincial taxes. This will ensure our hospital and medical professionals have the technology and equipment they require to provide exceptional care. Find out more about the Foundation by visiting www.huntsvillehospitalfoundation.ca.
About Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare
Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) is a multi-site health care organization accredited with exemplary standing that provides acute care services at the Huntsville District Memorial Hospital and South Muskoka Memorial Hospital in Bracebridge. Find out more about Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare by visiting www.mahc.ca.
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Wendy Brown says
What an incredibly kind and generous gift to the area. Thank you is all I can say but I dont feel like it’s enough.
J. R. Bruce Cassie says
A generous gift indeed! Thank you Linda and Rosemary for supporting Huntsville Hospital Foundation. Your selfless generosity will have a positive impact on hundreds of people in this area… at a time when they are most vulnerable. Your funds are needed and the Hospital Foundation will use them in ways that make a very positive difference. Please know that your gift sets a powerful example for the rest of us.
Douglas Millikin says
A truly awesome gift for the Community. Bless you Linda and Rosemary
Wendy McRae says
Thank you for your amazing gift to our hospital. Linda and Rosemary your generous gift is so appreciated.
Stu McCracken says
I never write in… until now.
The gift to both Hospital & Community is absolutely incredible.
Additional, your feelings of Family and the guidance regarding
“the place we gather” surely resonates with all of us who share a
cottage. With your gift , it really hits home.
Big Thanx
Stu, don’t call me Shirley.