Two local hospital foundations are merging into one group in an effort to enhance fundraising sustainability, strengthen donor engagement, and secure continued philanthropic support for healthcare services across Lambton County.
The Charlotte Eleanor Englehart Hospital (CEEH) Foundation and Bluewater Health Foundation (BWHF) will amalgamate on April 1, 2026.
Moving forward, the Bluewater Health Foundation will serve as the sole fundraising foundation supporting philanthropic priorities for both hospitals in Petrolia and Sarnia.
Kathy Alexander will continue to serve as Executive Director.
"I think recognition came from the CEEH Foundation that some further resources and expertise were of benefit," said Alexander. "They are an incredible and dedicated group of volunteers that really I think kind of came to fruition, we just need to be a formal organization working together collaboratively rather than competitively to support all of Bluewater Health."
The $4 million redevelopment of the CEEH Emergency Department and Diagnostic Imaging will continue to be a key fundraising priority for the foundation.
“This was a thoughtful decision made by the CEEH Foundation Board with the future of healthcare in Petrolia and Central Lambton at the forefront,” said CEEH Foundation Board Chair Mark Braet in a news release. “This amalgamation strengthens rural healthcare philanthropy. It brings more people, more expertise, and more resources to Petrolia – while protecting local priorities, donor intent, and the community’s voice.”
Alexander said there are substantial benefits to combining the two organizations.
"The benefit really is to the donor and the community, the policies and procedures that Bluewater Health Foundation has in place and really just strengthening opportunities for people to give charitably to Bluewater Health and CEEH through one unified entity," she said.
The hospital foundation said all restricted gifts designated for rural healthcare will remain dedicated to rural healthcare priorities, and donor intent, fund designations, and recognition will continue to be honoured.
