The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation says it committed more than $1.1 million to support local health care during the 2025-26 fiscal year while welcoming two new members to its volunteer board of directors.
The foundation announced at its annual general meeting on June 29 that it committed $1,114,578 to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026. The funding will support hospital equipment, technology, programs and patient care initiatives at the Chatham and Wallaceburg hospital sites.
“This past year was one of tremendous progress for our Foundation and our hospital, and every achievement was made possible by the incredible generosity of our community,” said Christine Mitchell, president and CEO of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation. “The more than $1.1 million committed to local healthcare reflects the strength of our community and its shared commitment to exceptional care close to home. It represents lives touched, patients cared for, and people coming together to make a lasting difference for our hospital.”
The foundation said the funding supported priorities including diagnostic imaging technology, emergency and critical care, women and children’s care, the Patient Assistance Fund and other hospital initiatives.
The organization also welcomed Jason Board-Smith and Jay Charlton to its volunteer board of directors.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jason and Jay to our Board of Directors,” said Rocky Gaudrault, chair of the foundation’s board of directors. “Both have demonstrated exceptional leadership in their respective fields and share a genuine passion for giving back to our community. Their experience, perspectives, and commitment to stewardship will strengthen our Board and help guide our Foundation as we continue to meet the evolving healthcare needs here in Chatham-Kent.”
Board-Smith brings more than 30 years of experience in banking, business operations, customer service and fraud prevention, while Charlton is a local business owner with a background in finance and a history of community volunteerism.
The foundation also recognized its returning board members and thanked past and present directors for their volunteer leadership. It said its 2025-26 Donor Impact Report, which outlines funded equipment, supported programs and hospital statistics, is available at ckhaf.ca/impact.
