The relationship between a community and its hospital is truly special, and nowhere is that more evident than here at Joseph Brant Hospital. Throughout life’s moments, you rely on the hospital to be there for you and to take care of you and your loved ones when it is needed most. But, as importantly, you understand your role in supporting the hospital and, through your generous donations, are powering the best care.
And we want to say thank you.
Thank you for recognizing that healthcare takes an investment from all of us to ensure our teams have the equipment and spaces necessary to provide the care that is needed for you, your family, and your community.
We are grateful beyond words for your support, and please know you are making a difference.
Ashley Davidson Deepa Ganatra
President & CEO Chair, Board of Directors
In July, Joseph Brant Hospital took the first exciting step in our vision to build the new Michael & Laura Paletta Mental Health and Addictions (MHA) Unit. Ontario’s Deputy Premier & Minister of Health Sylvia Jones, Associate Minister of Mental Health & Addictions Vijay Thanigasalam, Burlington MPP Natalie Pierre, and Oakville North–Burlington MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos joined leaders from the hospital and the Foundation, board members, and donors for a tour and a groundbreaking ceremony to launch this major redevelopment.
The Chairmen Family Foundation, a private, Burlington-based charitable Foundation, has made a transformational gift of $3.5M to the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation’s For All Minds Campaign in support of the redevelopment and expansion of the Mental Health & Addictions Unit at Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH).
“Our family has long believed in the importance of having access to high-quality mental health and addictions care, right here in our community,” said a representative of the Chairmen Family Foundation. “We are proud to support this important initiative at Joseph Brant Hospital, a leader in community-based mental health and addictions care, and hope this gift inspires others to contribute in their own way.”
The Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation is playing a vital role in bringing this vision to life through its For All Minds fundraising campaign, which aims to raise $20 million in support of the redevelopment. Thanks to the incredible generosity of donors — led by a transformative $5 million gift from Michael and Laura Paletta — this remarkable community-driven effort will ensure that everyone in our region has access to the highest standard of mental health and addictions care, in a space designed for healing, dignity, and hope.
Doug and Jodi Harrison know the value of community. For them, giving back isn’t just a gesture — it’s about bettering the place they call home. Joseph Brant Hospital has been a cornerstone for their family, from the birth of their daughter to caring for the everyday bumps, scrapes, and broken bones that come with raising children. Their connection runs even deeper today, with their son and daughter-in-law proudly serving as healthcare professionals.
“The care we’ve received has always been outstanding,” says Doug. “We’re so fortunate to have a hospital like Joseph Brant right here in our community.”
If there is one constant in healthcare, it is change. Adapting to technological advances, demographic shifts, and new approaches to care delivery requires innovation, partnerships and the steadfast support of our community.
In 2025, Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH) celebrated the launch of Project Harmony, a name chosen by our staff for a milestone initiative that will see JBH adopt Dovetale, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton’s proven version of Epic’s digital health information system.
This large-scale transformation will transition JBH from a primarily paper-based system to a fully digital platform, improving patient experiences, strengthening collaboration, and enhancing care delivery across the region. Most importantly, it will ensure that every patient’s experience in our hospital is seamless, safe, and personalized.
We also advanced a vital capital project to expand the Mental Health and Addictions Unit. Thanks to the tireless advocacy of our team, community partners, and donors, including a landmark gift from the Paletta family, the Michael and Laura Paletta Mental Health and Addictions Unit is becoming a reality. This space will provide dignified, person-focused care for patients in an environment that promotes healing.
These and other achievements are only possible because of the remarkable talents and collaboration of our JBH team and community and the deep commitment of our generous donors to building a brighter, healthier future for Burlington and area. Thank you for your support.
Eric Vandewall Paul Clarke
President & CEO Chair, Board of Directors
Joseph Brant Hospital was pleased to welcome Dr. Rahima Nenshi as Chief of Staff in January 2026.
Dr. Nenshi joins JBH from St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton (SJHH), where she served as Chair of the Medical Advisory Committee. A visionary and values-driven leader, she has championed innovation and equity through hospital-wide physician engagement initiatives co-created in partnership with staff and physician leadership. These efforts have strengthened collaboration, enhanced patient quality and safety, and elevated the physician experience.
What an incredible year, with five amazing signature events. We are so grateful to all of the sponsors, partners, and attendees for making these events possible and helping to power the best care.
The Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation was saddened by the passing of two remarkable community members and friends of the Foundation in 2025; Doug Leggat, and Jim Sweetlove.
Doug exemplified unwavering commitment, strength, leadership, and generosity. Together with his wife, Maryella, their philanthropy has made a lasting and transformative impact on the health and well-being of our community.
For more than forty years, Doug tirelessly championed support for the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation, leading and participating in all major fundraising campaigns that have helped to transform Joseph Brant Hospital into the leading-class facility it is today.
Doug’s legacy of compassion and care will endure for generations, and we are profoundly grateful for all he has given to better our community. He will be greatly missed.
Jim’s impact was felt across the community, and he was a passionate supporter of many initiatives and organizations.
Jim served on the Foundation Board of Directors from 2013 to 2019, including two years as Vice-Chair and another two as Chair, in addition to serving as Chair of the Gift Planning Advisory Network.
We are truly grateful to Jim for his thoughtful and dedicated commitment to our hospital and our community.
Our community is filled with incredible people and organizations who are committed to ensuring the best healthcare is available at Joseph Brant Hospital. We’re so grateful to this incredible group of donors who have shown that they are More than Just a Business in 2025!
Every day across our community, funds are raised in support of our hospital, and we couldn’t be more grateful. It is inspiring to see the passion driving these fundraising events, and it is our pleasure to honour our 2025 Community Event Partners.
