The Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital (TDMH) and the TDMH Volunteer Association are marking their 100th year with a variety of events throughout the year, culminating in the “A Century of Caring Gala” on May 10. Pictured from left are Loralee Heemskerk, Gerry Dearing, and Nadia Facca, holding tickets for the gala, which can be purchased at the TDMH and TDMH Foundation offices. (Jeff Helsdon Photo).
A grand gala is being organized to commemorate the centennial of Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital (TDMH).
The “A Century of Caring Gala – An Evening of Storytelling” is set for Saturday, May 10 in the Lion’s Auditorium at the Tillsonburg Community Centre. This event is put together by TDMH, along with the TDMH Volunteer Association and the TDMH Foundation, featuring a delicious meal followed by stories about the hospital.
“We’re really looking forward to this event. It’s a chance for everyone to come together and celebrate this significant milestone for our hospital and its volunteers,” said Loralee Heemskerk, a retired employee who co-leads the organizing committee with Gerry Dearing, Executive Director of the TDMH Foundation.
John Smith, a local businessman and former mayor, was instrumental in establishing the hospital. He left land for it in his will, leading to its opening in 1925 as Tillsonburg Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.
“He recognized that there was a need for a place to care for those who were ill,” said Nadia Facca, Integrated President and CEO of Alexandra Hospital Ingersoll and TDMH.
In the 1950s, during an expansion phase, it was renamed Tillsonburg District Memorial Hospital. Over time, numerous expansions and renovations have taken place. Today, TDMH operates as a 50-bed acute care facility with a complete emergency department along with ambulatory care services, complex continuing care options, general surgery services, orthopedic surgery offerings and diagnostic capabilities.
The TDMH Volunteer Association also started back in 1925.
“Our volunteers play an essential role in our healthcare team,” Facca remarked. “We are incredibly grateful for their century-long commitment to our hospital!”
Heemskerk mentioned that guests will begin their evening with a complimentary celebratory drink to mark the occasion alongside appetizers. Chrissy’s Catering will provide an enticing menu featuring various food stations including pasta dishes, seafood selections and proteins like beef tenderloin, chicken and lamb served with roasted potatoes and garlic mashed potatoes.
Kelly Spender-who has lived here all his life-is both town councillor and son of former TDMH President/CEO Jim Spencer; he’ll be emceeing an evening filled with storytelling. According to Heemskerk, speakers associated with the hospital will “share heart-warming stories about their community hospital and what it means to them.”
Display tables along with poster boards will showcase highlights from the hospital’s history while adding nostalgia to this special night.
Facca shared that funds raised during this event will support replacing beds within the hospital and other crucial equipment needs. The bed replacement initiative serves as focal point within the foundation’s ‘100 for 100’ Campaign2025; aiming specifically at acquiring one donor willing contributing $100000 , ten donors offering $10000 each , one hundred donors donating $1000 each , plus one thousand donors providing contributions equating $100 each respectively. All contributors shall gain membership into ‘100for100Club’ ; names listed upon permanent display inside the facility itself.
“Replacing these beds represents immediate physical necessity-so that’s where we’re concentrating efforts,” noted Facca; highlighting cost details wherein single medical-surgical unit costs approximately $17000 while intensive care units operate around$50000 per unit respectively.”
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“This night is all about celebrating our past as well as recognizing where we are now-and where we’re headed-with respect to our dedicated staff members , physicians , and volunteers,” Facca stated.
Tickets are priced at $120 for attendees aged 19 years or older; purchasers will receive $50 as an income tax receipt. Tickets can be obtained through either administration office at both the hospital or foundation. According to Heemskerk , only 200 tickets exist , which are selling quickly.
Facca shared that funds raised during this event will support replacing beds within the hospital and other crucial equipment needs. The bed replacement initiative serves as focal point within the foundation’s ‘100 for 100’ Campaign2025; aiming specifically at acquiring one donor willing contributing $100000 , ten donors offering $10000 each , one hundred donors donating $1000 each , plus one thousand donors providing contributions equating $100 each respectively. All contributors shall gain membership into ‘100for100Club’ ; names listed upon permanent display inside the facility itself.
“Replacing these beds represents immediate physical necessity-so that’s where we’re concentrating efforts,” noted Facca; highlighting cost details wherein single medical-surgical unit costs approximately $17000 while intensive care units operate around$50000 per unit respectively.”
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