May 11, 2021

This spring, I was moved by the story of Nathalia Dupont. More than 100 years ago, as a young child separated from her family, Nathalia found safety and refuge in St. Boniface Hospital. There, the Grey Nuns took Nathalia in and raised her.

Nathalia would go on to care for others as a nurse, bringing the lessons in kindness and compassion she learned from the sisters with her throughout her life.

Today, many more Manitobans are seeking safety – this time from a virus, in the third wave. Once again, St. Boniface Hospital is providing refuge to thousands of Manitobans who face critical and complex conditions, and to those who have COVID-19. Our front line health-care workers are under relentless pressure and they need your love and support – now, more than ever.

As I write this, caregivers at the Hospital are going above and beyond, while working through their own fear and anxiety, to keep Manitobans safe. I urge you not to let their efforts be in vain. Please, stay home if you can, get vaccinated when you are eligible, and continue to practise the fundamentals.

Throughout the past 14 months, we at the Foundation have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support for our nurses, doctors, and other front line health-care workers. Thousands of meals have been provided to nourish them, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been donated to ensure they can take care of their patients, and countless messages of support have been sent.

Thank you for these acts of kindness.

The weeks ahead will require us all to make sacrifices to ensure our health care system is up to the challenge. One thing that will remain constant is that Manitoba’s health-care professionals stand ready to save lives and provide compassionate care to all in our province who need it.

You can be a lifeline for our tireless caregivers by supporting the most urgent needs of St. Boniface Hospital with a gift today. Your gift sends them a message: I’ve got your back.

Click here to give now.

You can also show you care in other ways. To donate food or comfort items, or share a message of support, please contact the Foundation at [email protected]. You can find important guidelines and instructions here.

A donation to St. Boniface Hospital Foundation is among the most impactful ways you can thank caregivers on the front lines and ensure patients can count on the Hospital to be there when they need help most. Lives can be saved, have been saved, and will be saved – thanks to your support. We are in this together.

Karen Fowler, CFRE

President and CEO, St. Boniface Hospital Foundation