Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont. | Nov. 17, 2025
John Baker, founder and CEO of local tech company D2L, is supporting the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) by offering a donation top-up for World Prematurity Day.
Baker is adding $1 for every $2 donated to the NICU, with the goal of raising $240,000 for beds and equipment that will give WRHN’s tiniest patients a big boost.
The donation top-up campaign launched Monday, coinciding with World Prematurity Day. Community members can donate online at wrhnf.ca/NICU.
Funds raised will help add more NICU beds for WRHN @ Midtown (formerly Grand River Hospital), keeping care close to home for many families.
“The demand for NICU beds in Waterloo Region continues to outpace availability, and this shortage not only delays critical care but separates families during the most vulnerable times,” says Patricia Blancher, Clinical Director of the Children’s and Childbirth Programs at WRHN. “Expanding local NICU capacity means more babies can receive lifesaving treatment close to home, surrounded by the love and support of their families.
“No one expects to need a NICU – but when they do, they should be able to count on access, compassion, and care right here in our community.”
Donations will also help WRHN Foundation secure essential NICU equipment needed alongside the beds, including top-of-the line incubators, phototherapy lights, feeding syringe pumps, cardiorespiratory monitors, milk warmers, and more.
“This generous donation top-up from John is going to have a significant impact on the 850-plus preemies and other babies that require NICU support at WRHN each year,” says Jaime Wilson, Vice President of Development, at WRHN Foundation. “Every gift makes a difference on patient care and gives hope and support to parents. WRHN Foundation is grateful to have this gift from John, ensuring that the impact of our community’s donations go even further.”
Baker, who founded D2L in 1999, wanted to personally give back to the NICU at WRHN after his daughter, Emmeline, needed care there nine years ago.
“I’ve been very fortunate to be able to give in a way that can impact parents across our community. But, I’m just one piece of this,” Baker says. “I’ll be very grateful for anyone who is moved to donate because of my story, or because of their own experience in the NICU. Our preemie babies need and deserve the best equipment to get them off to the best start in life.”
Images available for download. Please credit: Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation
WRHN Foundation media contact:
Melissa Couto
Communications Specialist
About Waterloo Regional Health Network Foundation
Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) Foundation raises funds to support life-saving care at Waterloo Regional Health Network. WRHN Foundation works in partnership with our community to help elevate the healthcare experience of WRHN patients and staff.
Thanks to generous support from donors, we raise funds for vital equipment, programs and resources at WRHN that are not covered by the Ontario Ministry of Health.
Learn more at WRHNF.ca
About Waterloo Regional Health Network
Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN, pronounced wren) represents the merger of two Hospitals into a single, integrated healthcare organization. Built on over 90 years of partnership, WRHN is home to seven regional programs and comprehensive healthcare services to meet the current and emerging needs in Waterloo-Wellington and beyond. WRHN is redefining the healthcare experience through collaboration and innovation, addressing barriers to access, advancing care delivery, and setting new standards in compassionate, empowered, community-driven healthcare. At WRHN, every patient is at the centre of everything we do as we strive to improve lives, inspire healing, and build healthier, stronger communities.
Learn more at wrhn.ca
