Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, October 15, 2026.
President Olaf chaired the meeting and welcomed Rotarians and guest Stephanie Gautier who is the manager of the Western Regional Foundation Gift Shop, and Giving Tree, based in Western Memorial Regional Hospital.
Guest Speaker
After lunch, Rotarian Linda introduced the guest speaker Suzanne Carey, Executive Director at Western Regional Hospital Foundation.
Suzanne began her talk by thanking the Rotary Club of Corner Brook for their donation of $1000 to the Western Regional Hospital Foundation Radiothon aired live on Bay FM on October 2, 2026. Over $500,000 was raised with over $344,000 pledged during the broadcast. This was one of the most successful Radiothons of the 36 Annual Radiothons held for the Foundation.
She explained that the organisation is part of the Western Zone. The Foundation has been in existence for 39 years holding many special events, an annual Radiothon and different activities to raise money for the Foundation. In total over 24 million dollars have been raised to benefit the 80,000 people served by the Western Region.
Suzanne continued by speaking of the medical annual wish list that the Foundation receives and how selections are made. She handed out the 2026 – 27 case for support equipment list costing in total $691,344. She mentioned this year that the rural purchases made totalled $146,224 which covered the cost of 10 ceiling lifts, $120,000 for Burgeo Hospital and $26,244 for a Bladder Scanner in Port Saunders Hospital. The list was very comprehensive. The financial goal for this year was $700,000.
She told her own experiences which illustrated how buying this needed modern, up to date equipment can save lives and change out comes for patients. The main fund raiser for the Foundation is the Bay FM Radiothon, the Annual Gala usually held in November, the Giving Tree and other events throughout the year. This year the Regency Holiday Ball will be on Saturday November 28th.
Suzanne concluded her talk by speaking of the donations made by the Rotary Club over the years totalling $74,124.60. This through the Western Regional Hospital Foundation, has helped in the purchase of medical equipment, enhanced medical care and has improved the lives of many Western Newfoundlanders.
Suzanne answered several questions before being thanked by Gerry for her interesting presentation.



Corner Brook, NL A2H 2V3
Canada