Community fundraising gains momentum for Bowmanville Hospital
Clarington residents, businesses and health-care workers are mobilizing around the future of Lakeridge Health Bowmanville Hospital as a community fundraiser, Steps for Care presented by Ontario Power Generation, has passed the $20,000 mark in peer-to-peer donations ahead of a community walk scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 27.
The Bowmanville Hospital Foundation announced the milestone as organisers and supporters prepare for a limited-time matching opportunity from TD. For 12 days only — Sept. 1 to Sept. 12 — TD will match donations to Steps for Care dollar-for-dollar, up to $12,500, effectively doubling the impact of contributions made during the promotion.
- Event: Steps for Care community walk
- Date of walk: Sunday, Sept. 27
- Current peer-to-peer funds raised: $20,000+
- TD Community Match Challenge: Sept. 1–12, match up to $12,500
The walk coincides with the Bowmanville Hospital Foundation’s 50th anniversary, a milestone organisers say honours five decades of local giving while focusing on the next half-century of care. The redevelopment has been advancing in recent months: the Request for Proposals for the design and build closed in June, a design and build team is expected to be named this fall, and preparatory moves such as the relocation of the historic Lambert House and acquisition of land for parking have already taken place.
“The excitement around Steps for Care is a reflection of the way this community continues to show up for Bowmanville Hospital in new and meaningful ways,” said Maria Petri, CEO, Bowmanville Hospital Foundation.
Health system leaders are among those publicly supporting the campaign. Kirsten Burgomaster, Health System Executive, Clinical, with Lakeridge Health, said the redevelopment will change how care is delivered in the area and increase access to services closer to home. In the foundation’s messaging, the walk is being positioned as an opportunity for families, businesses and health-care teams to demonstrate support for a “once-in-a-generation” redevelopment.
The fundraising momentum comes at a key moment. With the RFP stage closed and a build partner to be selected this fall, community financial support may be used to supplement facility enhancements, patient amenities or other local priorities identified by the foundation and Lakeridge Health. Organisers are encouraging early donations during the TD match window to maximise community funds.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Peer-to-peer fundraising | $20,000+ |
| TD match window | Sept. 1–12 (match up to $12,500) |
| Community walk | Sept. 27 |
Locally, the redevelopment is being watched for how it will shape health services across Clarington and neighbouring communities. Organisers say the project will expand capacity and modernize care delivery in response to population growth and evolving health needs. The foundation’s 50th anniversary framing aims to remind donors that long-term community support has underpinned local hospital services for decades.
As the TD Community Match Challenge approaches, foundation officials are urging residents to participate early to ensure donations are doubled during the limited window. Steps for Care organisers hope the combined push of peer-to-peer fundraising, the corporate match and the community walk will create both the funding and public momentum needed as the redevelopment moves into its next phase.
