On October 18, 1976, the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation (JBHF) was officially incorporated. Fifty years later, the Foundation continues to connect the community’s generosity with the evolving needs of Joseph Brant Hospital (JBH), helping fund the spaces, equipment, and programs that support patient care.
“This milestone belongs to our entire community — our donors, volunteers, hospital and Foundation staff, physicians, partners, patients and supporters,” says Karen Dephoure, Foundation Board Chair. Every gift, large or small, has helped shape the hospital our community relies on today.
Over the past five decades, the Foundation has led major fundraising campaigns that have helped transform hospital care in Burlington and the surrounding communities, including:
Campaign for a Healthy Tomorrow, the Foundation’s first major capital campaign, launched in 1984 and raised $5 million by 1987, surpassing its original $3.5 million goal. The campaign funded renovations to the Emergency Department and Day Surgery, a new Intensive Care Unit, and state-of-the-art equipment, including the hospital’s first CAT scanner. It also laid the groundwork for the Foundation’s future fundraising efforts.
Our New Era, launched in 2012, supported the redevelopment and expansion of JBH, raising $65.2 million — more than $5 million above its original $60 million goal. The campaign helped fund the Michael Lee-Chin & Family Patient Tower, the Halton McMaster Family Health Centre and parking garage, and renovations to the original patient tower. At the time, it was the largest fundraising campaign in Burlington’s history, reflecting the extraordinary generosity of the community.
For All Minds, the Foundation’s current campaign, aims to raise $20 million supporting the redevelopment of JBH’s Mental Health and Addictions (MHA) program space to create therapeutic facilities that ensure a dignified, respectful, person-centred experience. The new space will offer a more person-centred and dignified environment for healing, featuring a six-bed Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit, 23% more beds, private rooms with ensuite washrooms, a secure outdoor courtyard, and expanded spaces for social and recreational activities. Led by Campaign Co-Chairs Leon Denbok and Phil Davidson, the campaign received a lead gift of $5M from Michael and Laura Paletta in early 2024, and has reached over 90% of its $20M goal to date.
As Burlington and the surrounding communities continue to grow, so do the healthcare needs of the region. The Foundation remains committed to helping JBH meet those needs and support exceptional care for generations to come.
“For 50 years, the Foundation has helped turn community generosity into meaningful impact for patients, families and healthcare teams,” says Ashley Davidson, JBHF President and CEO. “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and we look forward to building on that legacy for generations to come.”
For more information about the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation and the For All Minds campaign, visit jbhfoundation.ca.
