May 5, 2023
John Strong, executive director of the Wetaskiwin Health Foundation, has lived in rural and small urban communities in Alberta his entire life. He joined the foundation eight years ago after a number of personal health experiences. In addition to his role, he and his family are donors to the foundation and are passionate about supporting healthcare in Wetaskiwin and surrounding communities. Photo by Evan Isbister.
Story by Amelia Schofield | Photo by Evan Isbister
Alberta Health Services recognizes May as Health Philanthropy Month. Throughout the month, we’ll be celebrating our philanthropic partners who raise funds for healthcare throughout the province.
The Faces of the Foundations profile series will introduce you to the individuals and groups who lead healthcare philanthropy across Alberta. This week, we’re pleased to profile John Strong, executive director of the Wetaskiwin Health Foundation, which supports the Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre. In his role, he’s also the executive director for the Olds Health Care Fundraising Committee, Rimbey Hospital Legacy Committee and Sundre Hospital Futures Committee.
Why did you become involved with the Wetaskiwin Health Foundation?
I first started being active with foundations when I was young. My first wife passed away of cancer and then, my daughter passed away from cancer as well. My daughter was involved with several charitable organizations, and I became involved by donating and attending events.
Then, shortly after my family moved to Wetaskiwin, I was diagnosed with a serious illness myself. I was off work for three years with that illness — and I spent a lot of time in hospital. Through my experiences, healthcare became a big part of my life.
The executive director position for the Health Foundation became open around the time I started to work again. I was teaching at that time, and after everything I’ve been through, I thought I should move into healthcare philanthropy. I’m truly passionate about what I do here. I’m passionate about fighting for what we need.
Why is health philanthropy important to you?
I’m passionate about healthcare and health philanthropy because I’ve been through it. I’m also passionate about it because I’ve seen the difference it has made in my family’s life. In addition to my role, my family and I are donors. For us, it’s not just about my job, it’s who we are.
The things we wouldn’t have without healthcare philanthropy are significant. The foundation has been instrumental in bringing a CT scanner to our site. We’ve provided significant support throughout the hospital, including to the cardiac, obstetrics and surgical programs, which go above and beyond what could be provided otherwise. My community has been touched by all these projects, which makes me even more passionate about the work that I do.
What recent foundation accomplishments are you most proud of?
One of our most recent projects was funding a new Indigenous Healing Room at the Hospital. This was a step in a new direction for our foundation. We have contemplated for some time how to best step forward into supporting Indigenous health. When AHS’ Indigenous Wellness Core presented this idea to us, we were more than happy to provide our support.
Another recent project was funding a new endoscopy suite for the Hospital. As part of a partnership with the Alberta Surgical Initiative, we were approached to see if we could help reinvigorate the third operating suite in our hospital. We were successful in raising the funds, so the third surgical suite has been renovated and converted into an endoscopy suite. The suite will be used specifically for endoscopy, and the other two suites will be fully dedicated to general surgeries moving forward.
What initiatives are coming up at the foundation?
Our new campaign is called Give to Life, which we are doing in partnership with Alberta Infrastructure and Alberta Health Services. The project involves a large renovation of the Hospital’s emergency department. We’re raising $2.1 million toward new equipment for the space. We have a very busy emergency department, so we’re excited to see what this change will bring.
We have several events and fundraising initiatives to support this campaign. We recently held a Night of Illusions event, which raised funds for a portable digital X-ray machine as part of the campaign. We announced the campaign almost a year ago and it’s going well. To date, we’ve raised more than $300,000 and have more than $1 million in pledged donations.
What is the best way for Albertans to support the foundation?
Donating is one of the best ways to help — but when we talk to people, we want them to understand that there are other ways to support the foundation as well. One way is to lend your voice and speak to the importance of a piece of equipment and the importance of healthcare in our community. Another way to show your support is to volunteer with us.
Also, one of the best things you can do just involves the click of a mouse. Sharing our social media posts and our advertising goes a long way in making people aware of what we do.
Learn more about the Wetaskiwin Health Foundation.
