To Our Community of Supporters,
I hope this newsletter finds you well. Typically, in a message like this one, I focus
on all of the amazing accomplishments that have happened at the IWK because
of your support. This report will do that—you will learn more about the incredible
successes you made possible as well as hear inspiring stories from the IWK.
However, as I thought about what I wanted to say to you, I realized that there is a
bigger message in my heart this year and that’s the power of our community.
We’ve been through a lot together. On top of the pandemic and lockdowns, we
were faced with heartbreaking tragedies and social issues that were brought to
light like never before. These were difficult events that have challenged us as
individuals, as a region and more broadly as a country.
Yet, despite everything we’ve been through, I truly believe there is no better place
in the world than right here. I’ve been saying this for years—Maritimers care about
each other and always dig deep to support those in need. I have witnessed this
time and again this year.
Maritime women and children didn’t stop needing care just because there was a
pandemic and the IWK didn’t have a choice but to show up for them. But you did
have a choice. And you chose to continue to also show up for IWK patients. We
could feel your support, gently guiding us forward and your fierce loyalty to our
cause is what lifted us up during the worst of times. I can’t tell you the difference
that made.
For so long it feels like we’ve been collectively holding our breath—just watching
and waiting for a glimmer of hope to signal the tides are turning. I feel that hope
on the horizon and it’s there because of all of you. This year has reaffirmed my
belief that there is power in community and all of you are proof of that.
In closing, I want to say thank you—for supporting each other and the IWK, for
showing up for one another and for never losing hope.
With my sincere gratitude,
Jennifer Gillivan
President & CEO
IWK Foundation