Giving Thanks, Giving Back
August 31, 2026
Two weeks in the hospital is a long
time. For Andrew Parent, it was enough time to get to know the halls of
Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH), become a regular at the Gift
Shoppe, and develop a deep appreciation for the people who showed up for him
every day.
As he heads home to continue his
recovery, Andrew is giving back to the hospital that helped him through a
difficult chapter. He recently made a donation to the WDMH Foundation in honour
of his caregivers and to support local healthcare services.
"From the doctors to the nurses,
housekeeping staff, and clerical team, everyone treated me with kindness and
respect," says Andrew. "Dr. Carrier and Dr. Gutuskas were incredible,
and over the past two weeks the hospital started to feel like home. Making a
donation was my way of saying thank you to the people who cared for me and to
help support the hospital and the services it provides for our community."
During
his stay, Andrew picked up two memorable souvenirs from the WDMH Gift Shoppe: a
cow pillow and a sheep pillow. The quirky purchases quickly became conversation
starters and brought a little extra comfort, laughter, and character to his
room. And because proceeds from the Gift Shoppe help purchase hospital
equipment, it was another meaningful way Andrew supported care close to home.
The WDMH Foundation is grateful to
Andrew for his generosity and for sharing his story. Donations made in honour
of caregivers are a meaningful way to recognize the people who make a
difference during a hospital stay while helping fund equipment, technology, and
other priorities that support patient care.
Whether it's a donation, a kind word,
or a caregiver recognition gift, every gesture helps strengthen healthcare
close to home.
Inspired by Andrew's story? You can
honour a caregiver who made a difference by making a donation through the
Foundation’s Honour Your Caregiver program: https://www.wdmhfoundation.ca/onlinegiving/tribute/caregiver or by contacting Lindsay Whitteker,
Community Engagement Coordinator, at LiWhitteker@wdmh.on.ca or 613-774-2422
ext. 6172.
