WE ARE THE ROSS capital campaign launches at Ross Memorial Hospital

June 19, 2025 - With the Kawartha Lakes population surging, and advancing technology broadening patient care possibilities, Ross Memorial Hospital Foundation is inviting the public to play an essential role in the transformation underway at the Ross. 

Today, the RMH Foundation Campaign team was joined by donors, hospital and foundation board members, hospital staff and physicians, and local dignitaries to celebrate the public launch of the biggest capital campaign in Ross Memorial’s history. 

“By supporting critical investments at the Ross, our community can ensure timely access to gold standard care close to home,” said Tim Shauf, RMH Foundation Campaign Chair. “The WE ARE THE ROSS campaign is transforming the delivery of care in Kawartha Lakes, funding $25 million in essential facilities and technology improvements that bring the Ross to the forefront of modern patient care.”  

“During a health emergency, everyone deserves the best care possible. That’s why my family and I have promised our help to this campaign. The hospital team goes to great lengths for its patients and to do their best, they need the right tools, modern facilities, and access to the latest medical science. That’s how we as donors can help.” 

Through the WE ARE THE ROSS campaign, donors’ gifts are making the hospital’s highest priority projects possible: 

· Responding to rapid population growth, growing our critical care capacity, and modernizing our community’s Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit; 

· Ensuring access to leading-edge diagnostic technology and state-of-the-art bedside equipment enabling life-saving care; 

· Transforming the patient experience and connecting real time test results and patient information… making it available to every care provider – and to you – when and where it’s needed. 

“The WE ARE THE ROSS campaign marks a pivotal moment in our hospital’s history,” said Erin Coons, RMH Foundation CEO. “With you, we are building the foundation of an era of growth and change at the Ross. We are grateful to those who have committed their support to this campaign, and we invite everyone to join us in supporting these projects that would not be possible without donor support.” 

“From the outset of the quiet phase of the campaign, we have been connecting with residents and cottagers and we consistently hear two resounding messages:  first, the Ross is the heart of the community; and second, the hospital must keep up with the growth in our population,” said Mona Malcolm Sharman, RMH Foundation board chair. “Thanks to our community’s generosity, and the trust they place in the Ross, we are thrilled to say that 85% of our goal has already been met! Donors are bringing our mission to life:  advancing care close to home.” 

It is thanks to this early support — more than $21 million — that critical acquisitions such as the new MRI, the CT Scanner, and the clinical information system are already in the hospital and being put to good use, helping patients every day. 

Ross Memorial CEO Kelly Isfan shared her gratitude with donors who are helping to build the future of health care at the Ross and meet the needs of the growing population.  

“Ross Memorial is grateful to our Foundation and campaign team for all their hard work providing a pathway for our community to generously contribute to the projects that will ensure modern, effective, and timely care at our hospital,” said Kelly Isfan, RMH President and CEO. “Our community’s investments help the hospital provide equitable care, close to home, for our patients and keeps us positioned to recruit and retain talented healthcare providers who share our goal of delivering exceptional care.” 

It has taken generations to grow Ross Memorial into the facility it is today. And it will take all of us to meet the challenge and embrace the opportunities ahead.