WRHN Foundation launches holiday campaign with $519K donation match from volunteer group
News Release
Kitchener-Waterloo, Ont. | Mon. Dec. 8, 2025
Waterloo Regional Health Network (WRHN) Foundation has launched its winter fundraising campaign – the WRHN Wish Book – and, thanks to a significant donation match from the Grand River Hospital Volunteer Association (GRHVA), donors can double their impact on patient care.
The GRHVA has pledged a donation match of $519,000 – a nod to the vast 519 area code served by WRHN, the recently merged hospital in Kitchener-Waterloo.
That means that each donation to WRHN Foundation’s Wish Book campaign is matched dollar for dollar, up to $519,000, to support priority equipment needs across all WRHN’s care areas and current sites.
The GRHVA raises funds throughout the year from various initiatives, including sales from the Tim Horton’s and gift shops in the WRHN @ Midtown and Chicopee sites. The group has offered donation matches in the past, but its $519,000 pledge is its largest to date.
“As volunteers at the heart of our hospital community, we know how every piece of equipment and every care program touches real lives in the 519-region. That’s why we’ve committed to matching every donation up to $519,000 – to double the impact and ensure people in Waterloo Region get the quality care they deserve, when they need it,” says Michael Matthews, President, Grand River Hospital Volunteer Association. “Together, through the WRHN Wish Book, we’ll help light the way to stronger, more responsive care for everyone in our community.”
WRHN sees roughly 700,000 patient visits each year across its care areas, including cardiac, cancer, pediatrics, renal, emergency, critical care and more. The health network’s regional programs reach roughly 1.5 million people across Waterloo Region and surrounding communities – accounting for 10 per cent of Ontario’s population.
The WRHN Wish Book aims to raise funds for priority needs across the health network – including equipment, programs, innovation and resources required to serve a rapidly growing population.
Community members can browse the WRHN Wish Book to see examples of the types of equipment they can help fund.
“Our community relies on the generosity of others to equip our hospital teams with the tools they need to do their lifesaving work. Everything from a seemingly simple bedside chair to a massive, new cardiac procedure room, it’s on our community’s list of healthcare needs this year,” says Doug Earle, CEO of WRHN Foundation. “The WRHN Wish Book invokes us all to feel the glow of giving – to remember what it’s like, not to receive the gift on the top of our list, but to give one that others truly need.
“Thanks to donations matched by the Grand River Hospital Volunteer Association, we’ll get closer to scratching those must-have items off our community’s wish list.”
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
