Interview with a volunteer and donor of the HGH Foundation on the importance of contributing to our future in healthcare

Could you please tell us a little bit about yourself?

My name is Ginette Labelle. I am originally from Ste-Thérèse in the Lower Laurentians, where I spent a large part of my life. In 1996, I met my husband, who is from L’Orignal. It was in 2000 that we decided to purchase my husband’s family home as our main residence. My education was first as a legal secretary. I also have a university certificate in human resources and a master’s degree in business administration (MBA). These studies allowed me to have a career in human resources for more than 25 years with large companies, where I had the chance to evolve and where I was able to set up several management and training programs. I retired in 2017.

Why did you choose to get involved with the HGH Foundation?

It was through one of my brothers-in-law, then a member of the Board of Directors of the HGH Foundation, that I heard about it. Knowing that the hospital is an important asset for our community, as well as our region, and looking for a way to get involved with an organization, I thought that my experience in human resources could be useful for the HGH Foundation and its Board of Directors. I wanted to, in some way, do my part, because our hospital is so important.

How long have you been involved with the Hawkesbury and District General Hospital (HGH) Foundation?

I joined the HGH Foundation’s Board of Directors in the winter of 2020; so, it has now been 2 years.

What specific HGH Foundation projects or events have you been involved with? Why?

Apart from my role on the Board of Directors, so far I have helped organize two events. The first is the virtual concert that took place in 2020. It was a great show! The second took place in the fall of 2021; it was a weeklong golf event (Golf for the HGH Foundation). I am also a member and Chair of the HGH Foundation’s Philanthropy Committee. I certainly look forward to getting involved with other future projects.

What do you enjoy most about your role within the HGH Foundation’s Board of Directors?

As a member of the Board of Directors and the Philanthropy Committee, I enjoy being part of the discussions about the issues and options facing the HGH Foundation. For me, it’s important to be a part of these conversations that have a direct impact on the fundraisers that are necessary to achieve the HGH Foundation’s goals. I like teamwork. I have always worked with people. Although I have many years of management experience, this is the first time that I have had a role in a foundation. This allows me to learn about how it works, but also to understand the challenges that this field can represent. It’s very rewarding.

The tenacity, determination and dedication of the staff and members of the Board are what stand out the most for me, and I appreciate this dynamic.

The generosity of donors, despite the difficult times we are going through, is also, in itself, a remarkable part of the experience for me.

Could you please describe the importance of the HGH Foundation’s current campaign, “There’s No Place Like Home”?

Having the best possible care, close to home, is of great importance to me. It makes life so much easier for patients, but also for caregivers and the whole family. Having access to care, without having to travel long distances to access it, is essential and improves quality of life.

Supporting the purchase of necessary medical equipment will bring more specialized services to HGH, and the more state-of-the-art our hospital is, the more we will be able to attract the healthcare professionals and specialists we need.

We should also know and understand that the equipment needed for the services offered at our hospital is not all covered by the government; hence, the importance of supporting the HGH Foundation’s fundraising priorities.

All of this is why I, myself, am a monthly donor of the HGH Foundation. I am very proud to know that I am contributing to the future of our hospital and health care for our region.

The campaign, There’s No Place Like Home, will support the purchase of essential medical equipment needed to bring new services to HGH like cataract surgery, knee and hip replacements, and more! It will enable access to more specialty care, closer to home with a focus on enhancing services in orthopedic surgery, urology, ophthalmology, endoscopy, and advanced mammography. The support towards this campaign will help ensure that our family and friends can receive specialty medical care at HGH without the need to travel elsewhere. For more information on the campaign, visit There’s No Place Like Home.

Is there a moment in your personal life when you, your family or a loved one had to use the services at HGH?

I admit that I consider myself very lucky. When I had health problems in 2017, I was quickly referred to HGH for tests, which were done quickly. This allowed me to have surgery without much delay. Thanks to this, I am doing very well today. I am very grateful for the great care I received.

My husband also had to be treated at HGH, where he was very well taken care of. He had to undergo a minor knee procedure. Unfortunately, at that time, it could not be done at HGH; therefore, we had to go to Ottawa. This experience, even if it went well, further confirms, for me, the need to have the necessary equipment and resources for this type of service close to home. The stress and time required to travel far away, especially when you’re in pain, is not easy. We’re lucky because we were able to drive to Ottawa. But not everyone is able to do this, so I can only imagine the challenge that must be for them.

Despite what can sometimes be said about the delays in hospitals, whatever they may be, I can say that at each visit for myself or someone I know, we received excellent care at HGH. This is all the more reason for me to support the HGH Foundation’s efforts to help maintain and further develop these important services.

What does it mean for you when people of our community donate to the HGH Foundation?

It gives me a great feeling of gratitude. Every gesture and donation, whatever it may be, is a step in the right direction towards providing our hospital with the resources necessary for the care provided and for the well-being of our community. A donation is not only a gesture of sharing with the community, it is also a gesture for yourself and for those you love.

Thank you for your support! It’s so important! You are making a real difference every day in the lives of patients and their families, as well as for hospital staff.