Photo: Dr. Cobus Smith, The Classen Preoperative Centre, Nanaimo Hip and Knee Centre. For decades, getting orthopaedic care in Nanaimo was a challenge. Long wait times, fragmented services, and travel outside the region were the norm for patients needing hip or knee surgery. That is, until a transformational legacy gift changed everything. Eldred and Joyce…
Our local Royal Canadian Legion branches have long exemplified what it means to serve—with courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment. Their enduring support for healthcare on Central Vancouver Island is a testament to the values they hold dear: community, responsibility, and well-being. This year, we are proud to recognize two remarkable gifts from Mt. Benson #256…
Earlier this month, a team of nurses from Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH) attended the 3rd Annual Trauma Conference in Sooke, BC, thanks to generous donors to the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. The conference, focused on trauma patient care, was invaluable as NRGH now has the capacity to stabilize and treat trauma patients onsite….
December 3rd, 2024, may seem like ages ago, but we at the Foundation remember it vividly as it was such an exciting day. This was our third Giving Tuesday, and we had set an ambitious goal to raise $300,000 to fund four Giraffe Omnibed Legacy incubators. It was an amazing day with an incredible outpouring…
For over a century, the Ladysmith Health Care Auxiliary has exemplified what it means to be rooted in community and driven by compassion. Since 1912, this vibrant organization has grown from a small group of determined women to a powerhouse of over 250 dedicated volunteers. Each year, they tirelessly give their time, talents, and hearts—raising…
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors, this April two Nanaimo-based primary care clinics received $5,000 in forgivable loans to purchase much-needed medical equipment. These bursaries are part of an ongoing initiative led in partnership with the Nanaimo Division of Family Practice to support local clinics and enhance access to primary care in our…
Presenting Sponsor of Soirée by the Sea, Odlum Brown and Mark Mawhinney, Portfolio Manager champion healthcare innovation for Central Vancouver Island. We are proud to welcome Mark Mawhinney and Odlum Brown as the Presenting Sponsor for our second annual Soirée by the Sea—Nanaimo’s premier seaside event to support advancing healthcare on Central Vancouver Island. At…
One of the most incredible parts of my role is witnessing the kindness, generosity, and hopefulness of our donors every single day. From the moment I first stepped into the hospital, this has been true. And this spring, we have the privilege of partnering with one of those remarkable individuals—someone facing an incredibly difficult time…
NANAIMO, BC – March 13, 2025, The Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation (NDHF) has launched a targeted fundraising campaign to purchase 34 vital signs monitors to replace aging and irreparable monitors for Oceanside Health Centre. Oceanside Urgent Care Centre was designed 12 years ago to accommodate 60-80 patients per day. But it’s busier than ever….
On March 11, a group of donors who played an important role in the success of Soirée by the Sea had the opportunity to witness the tangible impact of their generosity. Led by Trina Knight, Manager of Perinatal at NRGH, the donors toured the Perinatal Unit at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH) to see firsthand…
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Donna Hais is the Owner and General Manager of R. W. (Bob) Wall Ltd., a leading commercial construction contractor on Vancouver Island. The company’s projects have included professional offices, hotels, pubs, restaurants, warehouses, retail spaces, apartment buildings, social housing projects, dental clinics, medical offices, surgical centres, schools, and churches. Special focus in the past number of years has been in the medical and dental community throughout Vancouver Island. In 2020,R. W. (Bob) Wall Ltd. won the Construction Leadership Award for Vancouver Island.
Donna is also the Owner and General Manager of Canadian Cache Development Corporation, a land development company which has been concentrating its efforts in creating a hospital campus in Nanaimo. This has been accomplished through the development of new infrastructure in and around the hospital area, which is not strictly defined as medical offices, but rather answering the needs of a comprehensive hospital campus.
Donna served as the Board Chair of the Nanaimo Port Authority From 2019-2023, and has served as President of the Nanaimo Executive Association and the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce. In 2014, Donna was awarded the Community Leader of the Year. Currently, Donna acts as Community Liaison for the MSA (Medical Staff Association) with respect to the conversation on a tertiary care hospital in Nanaimo, serving all patients north of the Malahat. Donna also sits at the Mayors Leaders Table, and chairs the Infrastructure Task Force for this group.
Marko is the Vice President, Clinical Services Central/South Island and Provincial Programs for Island Health. Marko oversees all aspects of clinical operations and is responsible for developing and operationalizing an effective, integrated care delivery model in the Central/South Island, including Emergency; Medicine; Rehab; Surgery; Patient Flow; and Intensive Care. He is also responsible for Provincial Programs including Cancer Care, Renal, and Heart Health. Marko sits on the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation’s Board of Directors in an ex-officio capacity, representing Island Health at the executive level.
Prior to his current role, Marko served as Island Health’s Vice President, Pandemic Planning as well as Interim Vice President, Clinical Operations, South Island and Cowichan Valley. Marko started his career in health-care as a nurse and quickly ascended into the role of health care leader, with continued training and education in management, communications, change and cultural safety.
Marko has lived on Vancouver Island since his youth, and worked with Island Health for 23 years. He and his family live on the Saanich Peninsula and enjoy spending their free time outdoors, in particular hiking and cycling around the beautiful communities in our region.
Chief Michael Wyse (Xum’silum) is a proud member of the Snuneymuxw First Nation and is honoured to serve their membership as Chief. He is the son of Joe Wyse and late Chief Viola Wyse, married to Kora, and together they have three sons.
Chief Mike Wyse’s time as councillor and Chief has been informed by listening to the Snuneymuxw community, and taking the time to understand their community’s priorities and hardships.
The collective vision for Snuneymuxw includes a self-determined, strong, prosperous, and healthy community, where Snuneymuxw people live in equality, mutual respect, and according to the teaching of their traditions and culture.
Chief Wyse is a strong voice in the Central/North Island community for the need to improve healthcare for all people’s who live North of the Malahat.
James Byrne, MBA, CPA, CA, is the Regional Managing Partner for MNP’s Vancouver Island region. With extensive experience serving logging contractors and other stakeholders in the forestry sector, James delivers a broad range of accounting, tax and consulting solutions to forestry clients, while leading MNP’s overall growth on Vancouver Island.
James received his Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from McMaster University in 2003. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and Chartered Accountant (CA), qualifying in 2008.
James most recently served as MNP’s provincial leader for Forestry and Forest Products and continues to work with forestry clients across the Island and B.C. By combining his industry knowledge, firsthand experience in operational logging and background in engineering, James brings a unique perspective to financial assessments of forestry operations.
Born and raised on Vancouver Island, James has a deep appreciation for the growth and development of the Island over the years. As a husband and father of an active family, James has seen firsthand the need to strengthen the Central/North Island healthcare infrastructure, and by serving on the Foundation Board he seeks to help the Foundation obtain the resources they need to make that happen.
Dai Renton is the Marketing & Communications Coordinator at the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, where she leads efforts to build awareness and support for healthcare initiatives across the community. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and communications, Dai is passionate about using storytelling to engage and inspire. Her role at the Foundation focuses on promoting vital healthcare projects, enhancing community outreach, and strengthening partnerships that support the Foundation’s mission.
Dai’s career includes a broad range of experience. Having spent her last eight years in real estate marketing, she worked as a marketing specialist at Tribe Property Technologies, leading national rental campaigns and fostering collaboration between teams to elevate brand awareness. Prior to that, she operated her own digital marketing consultancy, where she specialized in content creation, SEO, and campaign strategy for local businesses. Earlier in her career, Dai worked as a journalist in Mexico, contributing to several newspapers, including Periódico De Frente and La Voz del Puerto, where she honed her skills in writing and public relations.
Her background in journalism has deeply influenced her marketing approach, allowing her to craft engaging stories that resonate with diverse audiences. Whether designing a campaign or coordinating with partners, Dai focuses on building meaningful connections and driving community involvement.
In her spare time, Dai enjoys exploring the beautiful outdoors of Vancouver Island, spending time with her family, and honing her creative skills through painting. A passionate advocate for personal growth, she also enjoys reading and continuous learning to keep her inspired in both her professional and personal life.
As the Annual Giving Coordinator at the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, Jenif Roque plays a key role in engaging, stewarding, and cultivating meaningful donor relationships. His responsibilities include donor acquisition, leading the Oceanside strategy, supporting volunteer initiatives, and maintaining donor data integrity to enhance fundraising effectiveness. Jenif is committed to fostering long-term partnerships aligned with the Foundation’s mission to support innovative healthcare in the Central Island region.
Jenif holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a Master’s degree in English from the University of Mumbai, India, as well as an MBA from University Canada West in Vancouver, BC.
With over two decades of experience across sectors such as telecommunications, IT, retail, and business process outsourcing, Jenif has honed expertise in customer service, business development, media planning, and market research. His six years in India’s non-profit sector saw him raise awareness and resources for education, healthcare access, gender equality, and disaster relief with organizations like CRY and Oxfam India.
Since moving to Canada, Jenif has focused on advancing donor engagement and support initiatives, leveraging his international perspective and relationship-building skills. Outside of work, he enjoys exploring Vancouver Island’s natural beauty, embodying the Foundation’s spirit: “It’s in Our Nature to Give.”
Contact Jenif at 250-740-2651 or email
Planning for the future is an important part of what we do, and planned gifts from our generous, visionary donors help ensure better healthcare for generations to come. Planned gifts we accept include Charitable Bequests through Wills, Charitable Remainder Trusts, Charitable Gift Annuities, Gifts of Stock and more. For more information about making a planned gift to the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, please click the link below.
As a monthly giving donor, you will help build a future of healthcare excellence over time, benefiting the ones you care for most. Together, monthly donors enable long-term, sustainable planning to support the delivery of better healthcare in our community.
Making a donation in memory of a family, friend or other loved one is a wonderful way to honour their memory, while also making a gift that will keep on giving back to the community through better healthcare. Donations are also a great way to celebrate life’s important milestones such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, graduations, retirements and more.
As the Senior Manager of Annual & Planned Giving, Cheryl leads the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation’s annual giving program, the bedrock of our fundraising strategy. She also manages our planned giving program, which provides sustainable funding for the long-term and future needs of Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH) and the other Island Health facilities supported by the Foundation.
A west coast girl at heart, Cheryl moved to Vancouver immediately after earning her BA in English at the University of Alberta. There she began her career in publishing and communications, before being recruited by Compton International Fundraising to manage capital campaigns for clients in Vancouver, Ottawa and Victoria.
Helping people and organizations achieve their philanthropic goals, and finding the resources charities need to make the world a kinder, healthier, more just place inspired Cheryl to focus her career on uniting charities with donors to make positive change in the world.
Over the course of her 20-year fundraising career, Cheryl has raised funds to fuel the missions of local, national and international charities in healthcare, social services, human rights and the environment. Most recently, she spent 12 years with Nanaimo-based Georgia Strait Alliance, where she grew in her progressive leadership role, becoming the Director of Development and helping the regional marine conservation organization diversify and more than double its revenue under her leadership.
Cheryl is involved in professional and community organizations, including sitting on the Executive Committee of the Vancouver Island Chapter of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners. She has also served in various roles on the boards of amateur sports, dance and school-based committees in the Central Island region for the past 15 years.
In 2000, Cheryl and her husband chose to make the Central Island their home, buying their first home in Nanaimo, and eventually settling south of Ladysmith where they are raising their two children, both of whom were born at NRGH. Cheryl is very excited to offer her broad expertise in fundraising in support of the Hospital and other healthcare facilities which have been so important to the health and wellness of her family and friends.
Contact Cheryl at 250-755-7690 or email.
Kingsley Ejikeme is a dynamic professional with a proven track record of excellence in donor relations, data management, and operational efficiency. With over seven years of experience spanning industries such as transportation, manufacturing, retail, NGOs, and consulting, he brings a wealth of knowledge and adaptability to his role.
As Gift & Data Coordinator, Kingsley excels in managing donor databases, streamlining processes, and implementing innovative solutions to enhance data integrity and donor engagement. He holds a degree in Accounting with Finance (Hons), an MBA, and certifications in data analytics, equipping him with the analytical and strategic skills to excel.
Known for his strong customer-focused approach and ability to build lasting relationships, Kingsley is passionate about delivering exceptional service and fostering impactful collaborations. Guided by his belief that “Faith is the stabilizing power of destiny,” he approaches challenges with resilience and a commitment to excellence.
When he’s not making a difference professionally, Kingsley enjoys exploring new adventures, discovering cuisines, and indulging in gaming.
Cancer Care
Our work continues to support local cancer care in Nanaimo, including specialized pathology equipment to examine tissue biopsies for suspected cases of cancer. We’re also helping to move forward the project around a regional cancer center, keeping patients closer to their support networks. This essential area of care is long overdue, and has affected so many families on the island.
Community and Family Health
This area gives focus to children’s health, family doctor recruitment support with the Division of Family Practice, occupational health, palliative care, senior’s care, and education as well as other support for our nurses. We have already had excellent success in this area, with the recruitment of new doctors, and more on the way. Several key partnerships are already in place, and we continue to pursue additional alliances to expand our circle of impact.
Critical Care
Critical Care includes all acute care – emergency, ICU and HAU, and surgery. In June 2023, the new ICU opened with all the required critical equipment funded by
community donors and has been operating at full capacity since then. We are excited to share that the HAU is on track for expected completion by summer 2025, ensuring that our community has access to the highest standard of care.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our community, and a transformational gift from the Windsor Plywood Foundation, we have almost achieved our fundraising goal.
Heart and Stroke Care
This area of care includes a new cath lab and equipment, as well as several recent equipment purchases such as echocardiology machine & TEE probe, cardiac ultrasound, a cardiac stress test system, two wireless ECG machines, an echo stretcher, power chairs for our pacemaker clinic, and a Holter scanning system. Costs were also covered for additional staff training on advanced cardiac life support, and heart dysrhythmia.
Innovation
It is only through innovation that we can ensure we maintain the highest standards of care for our community. “We have always done it that way” is not an acceptable answer for our team. We know that to be a driving force in improving healthcare in Central and North Vancouver Island, we must constantly seek new and innovative ways to pursue our vision.
We continue to press for innovation in the areas of advocacy, laboratory services, medical imaging, medical professional education, and pharmacy, among others.
And once again, mutually beneficial partnerships grounded in the desire to improve healthcare outcomes are key to the Foundation having an impact well beyond our traditional resources.
Mental Health
We continue to seek out ways to improve and expand medical detox, VI scan (Vancouver Island Suspected Child Abuse and Neglect program), and youth wellness outreach. These essential areas are interwoven with other areas of care, and we seek ways to innovate and create greater impact.
As the CFO for the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, Sue is responsible for all administrative aspects of the Foundation, providing support to the Board and CEO by overseeing financial, HR, and policy activities. She also manages Estate administration on behalf of the Foundation and provides financial and management oversight for two for-profit businesses. Sue believes in people-first leadership and holds both the CPA and FCPHR designations and has long allied her expertise in both professions to the betterment of bigger pictures.
Previously serving as VP & CFO with the Yukon Workers Compensation Health & Safety Board, Sue holds the two professions to be intrinsically linked— both key to creating safe workplaces and sustainable success.
In 2022, Sue was appointed Chair of CPHR Canada and continues to serve as Past Chair of CPHR BC & Yukon. She joined the Board in 2013 and served as Chair from 2017. Recognized as a Fellow CPHR in 2018 for her contributions to the HR profession, Sue remains a strong national and global proponent of Canada’s premier HR designation—and lifelong learning.
Sue completed the ICD.D designation from the Institute of Corporate Directors and is set to become President of the North American Human Resource Management Association in Summer 2023.
In her parallel professional life, Sue was appointed Chair of the Board of the Credit Counselling Society in March 2022 and has previously served as President of Certified Management Accountants (CMA) of Yukon and as a Director of the CMA Society of Canada.
A constant community philanthropist, Sue has volunteered her unique skills throughout her professional life. She has served as a Governor for Queen Margaret’s School on Vancouver Island, Treasurer for Encore! Women’s Choir and as a Director of the Institute of Public Administration of Canada.
Contact Susan at 250-755-7936 or email
Dave is a Senior Investment Advisor and Financial Planner with RBC Wealth Management Dominion Securities. He provides his clientele with a professional and personalized approach to both Wealth Management and Investment Management. Dave’s clients consist of professionals, business owners and retirees.
Serving in the Wealth Management services business since 2001, Dave also has International experience when he worked for one of the world’s largest Financial Institutions in Dublin, Ireland. He holds a Fellowship of the Canadian Securities Institute designation (FCSI), a Personal Financial Planning designation (PFP), a Life Insurance License, among other Industry designations.
Dave’s previous Board experience includes serving as a Board Member at the Nanaimo Golf Course for 3 years and has been on various strata councils. He sponsors, donates and volunteers his time to certain causes and looks forward to continue to do so. Having an opportunity to be a part of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation Board would be an exciting opportunity and great challenge. He can’t think of a better and more meaningful cause to put his time and efforts towards. He is looking forward to working with a great team and assisting the current Board in any way possible.
Dave feels very fortunate to call Vancouver Island his home. He is a proud Nanaimo resident and has lived in Nanaimo since 2006. He is married and has two young children. Outside of work, he enjoys business, sports, travel, golfing, cooking, lake time, playing crib and spending time with friends and family.
Mike retired as a Partner from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in 2005 and moved to Nanoose Bay on the Island in early 2005. His professional career association with the lumber industry brought him to Nanaimo and many other locations on the Island. He has a daughter and two young grandchildren living in Nanaimo.
He has recently joined the Foundation Board because as a senior and a grandfather, he is keenly aware of the need for quality healthcare in the region and the continual need for the community to help fund this care, and he wants to assist in such efforts.
Mike has always been an active contributor to his community and has considerable board experience in non-profit organizations. He has also served on corporate boards in his retirement. He will bring extensive financial knowledge and board governance experience to the Foundation Board. He also sees himself as a representative for his age group in healthcare matters.
He enjoys retirement and the flexibility it gives to enjoy a variety of other pursuits including hiking, golf, any kind of card game, and interacting with his grandchildren.
Philip was elected to the Board of Directors in October 2015. His motivating energy has been a welcomed addition to the Foundation. Philip was born in Switzerland, but raised in Campbell River. He moved to Nanaimo to attend VIU. After earning his Bachelor of Business degree Philip pursued a career in Accounting; obtaining his designation, he is a founding partner of Birrer Sangret LLP. Philip joined the Foundation’s Board after participating in several events that supported healthcare on the Island, and therefore the Foundation; including his role on the founding organizing committees for the Dinner of Lights and Ride for Life.
He has also volunteered for the Mid-Island Velo Association, the Nanaimo Velodrome Association, and the Businesses for a Better Nanaimo. Philip enjoys the networking aspect of fundraising, as well as the strategic planning possible with a Governance Board. Yet, when he boils it down to his inspiration Philip simply says, “I want to make progressive equipment possible for everyone”.
I have been lucky enough to be born and raised in Nanaimo. I spent some time in Victoria and Australia, however, have spent most of my life in Nanaimo. Growing up I played Hockey, Lacrosse, Baseball and Golf on the local teams. Which gave me the opportunity to learn how to be a team member as well as a leader in sports and in life. As a father of 3 beautiful daughters, it is important to me that I continue to show them giving back is so important.
In 2005 I decided to become a Realtor as my Profession. Over the past 16 years I was able to grow from a rookie Realtor to an Award-winning realtor today. All of this would not be possible without the amazing team, and clients along the way.
Some of my accomplishments through the years have been, RE/MAX Hall of Fame, RE/MAX Diamond Award, RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award, Top Team in BC for Transactions, Top 10 Team in Canada, Realtor Care award and the Top 20 Under 40 For Vancouver Island. Again, all of this with help from amazing Team Members and an Amazing Family.
One thing that my family instilled in me as a young person was to give back which I have tried to do through the years with numerous Committees, Foundations and Charities. Some of which were Tom Harris Foundation, Garrett Paquette Foundation for Families in Need, BC Summer Games as a Volunteer Chair, Kids Sports, Golf for Kids, Children’s Miracle Network and many more.
I have benefited greatly from living in this wonderful city and would love to continue to give back.
Greg is a Branch Manager for the Coastal Community Credit Union. He grew up in Nanaimo and is committed to supporting NRGH as it builds healthier communities. Greg serves on the Board of Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation, Runners of Compassion and is on a committee for the Downtown Nanaimo Improvement Association. He joined the Run for Life Committee in 2009 and continued as Chair and Co-Chair in 2011-2015.
Greg has an unwavering connection to the Community and joined the Foundation Board because it “positively impacts all individuals who utilize the healthcare system on Central Vancouver Island”. Besides bringing energy, focus and passion to his role on the Foundation Board, his proactive approach is a valuable asset to the Foundation!
Anu Mayer was born in India and was raised in the United Arab Emirates. She moved to Nanaimo in 1994 after getting married. Anu is dedicated to her family and proud of the strong foundation she has built with her husband Richard Mayer. Anu and Rick have three beautiful children, who were born and raised in Nanaimo.
Anu has gone from being a full-time Mother to establishing and managing a thriving event planning company. As the owner and operator of Bastion Management Ltd for the last 15 years, Anu has planned and organized successful events across Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland.
As a strong believer in volunteering, Anu has volunteered on several boards, including the Nanaimo Women’s Resources Centre and the Young Professionals of Nanaimo. She is the current Chair of Women in Construction Nanaimo and volunteers with the Canadian Home Builders’ Association Vancouver Island. Since 2015, Anu has volunteered with one of biggest events in Nanaimo, the Bathtub Race and Nanaimo Marine Festival.
Anu is proud to have been elected as a new Board Director of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation on June 29th, 2021.
When she is not volunteering, Anu loves to travel and spend time with her family and friends.
Greg Phillips is a partner with Johnston Franklin Bishop Lawyers in Nanaimo. Greg is a trial lawyer, representing clients at all levels of court, arbitrations, mediations and tribunals. Since moving to Nanaimo in 2009 he has often contributed to various boards and organizations in the area, having served as the Chair of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, President of the Rotary Club of Nanaimo North, Governor of the Trial Lawyers Association of British Columbia and Director of the Nanaimo-Ladymith Schools Foundation.
Ryan Wenner is a Director at the Wenner Group, a technology integrator founded by his grandfather in 1945. From a very early age he had a passion for technology and entrepreneurship following in his father’s footsteps and joining the family business in 2005. A serial entrepreneur, he co-founded Wenner Security and the technology and automation division of the Wenner brand which has become one of the largest luxury residential integration companies in British Columbia with locations in Nanaimo and Victoria. Ryan is a strategist, leader and visionary changing the way people interact with technology at home.
Outside of business, Ryan spends time with his beautiful wife Alicia, their baby William, family, friends and his goldendoodle Charlie. Ryan is Vice Chair of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation supporting the hospital where his son was born and his mother worked as an RN for 37 years. As a member of the board, Ryan is completely invested in the vision and mission of the Hospital Foundation and looks forward to contributing to the ongoing success of the Foundation.
As the Executive Director Clinical Service Delivery Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Strategic Lead Emergency, Access & Flow & Restorative Health, Damian Lange sits on the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation’s Board of Directors in an ex-officio capacity, representing the NRGH’s senior leadership team.
Throughout his career, Damian has provided exceptional leadership on a host of quality improvement and change management initiatives both within Island Health and in partnership with provincial partners. This skill set will be critical as we deepen NRGH’s footprint of tertiary services to include a new Cancer Centre in the coming years and consolidate strategic leadership for access and flow across Island Health.
Barney Ellis-Perry has over thirty years of fundraising and constituent engagement experience, spending 14 years with his alma matter UBC where he held several key fundraising and alumni relations positions including Director of Alumni Engagement Campaign and Director of Alumni Relations. In 2022, Barney returned to his home province of BC after working in the US for eight years to lead the Hospital Foundation in the role of CEO. Barney’s most recent position was as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Alumni Relations and Annual Giving at Vanderbilt University in Nashville Tennessee. Prior to Vanderbilt, Barney was the Senior Vice President for Alumni Relations at the international fundraising consultancy GG+A. In 2014, Barney was recruited from UBC to be the CEO of the University of California, Irvine (UCI) Alumni Association.
Barney’s proudest accomplishment at UBC was successfully designing, launching, and co-leading UBC’s Start an Evolution Campaign, the world’s first dual-goal campaign for a major university with goals of raising $1.5 billion and of doubling active alumni engagement by 2015.
Barney is excited to be working in support of healthcare as his time in the USA reinforced his belief in the power of the Canadian Healthcare system. The healthcare needs of the Central and north Island community present an intriguing challenge that Barney believes can benefit from a more engaged community of donors and advocates.
Excited to back on the best coast, Barney is enjoying all that the Island has to offer spending as much time near, on, or in the water as possible!
Contact Barney at 250-713-1703 or email
Born and raised in Nanaimo, Tony is a sixth generation Harris to call this city home. At seven, his first business was a 25¢ vending machine in his father’s car dealership.
After Brentwood College School he graduated from the University of Western Ontario. Post-graduate work included the National Automobile Dealer Association Dealer Academy and Entrepreneurship and Leadership Executive Education at Babson College.
Tony Harris Developments is an award winning real estate developer with a portfolio of multi-family, commercial, marine, and mixed-use projects at various stages in the development cycle. Tony is a car dealer and partner in the Harris Auto Group. Entrepreneurial pursuits also include interests in hospitality, entertainment, and marine sectors.
Tony is a philanthropist and community builder. He is the Chair of the Board at the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation; Tony is a vocal advocate for a new tertiary hospital in Nanaimo, which serves more than half of the population of Vancouver Island. Tony founded the Tom Harris Community Foundation and has lead teams raising millions of dollars for charity on Vancouver Island. He is a husband a father of three.
Janice is a people-first senior leader known for building relationships. Born and raised on beautiful Vancouver Island, BC she has deep roots within her community. Janice holds a certificate in Community Leadership from Vancouver Island University and has received her Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) designation. With over 20 years of progressive leadership experience in corporate, a national non-profit, higher education, and community volunteering. Serving as the Chief Development Officer at the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation she oversees Development and Communications.
Her work with teams, volunteers and donors has earned local, provincial, and national recognition. Her national contributions include representing BC in the development of a National Volunteer Engagement Strategy for over 120,000 volunteers and representing the province of BC in a National Strategy Renewal initiative for the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada. Locally Janice was instrumental in launching central Vancouver Island’s first volunteer support group for women supporting women that have survived heart disease and stroke.
Janice has served on several diverse boards and community round tables offering her natural collaborative style and ability to strategically work toward solutions with proven results. She is passionate about her community and is very proud to be a Past President of the Zonta Club of Nanaimo, Past Policy and Advocacy Chair and Board Secretary with the Haven Society and Past President of the Rotary Club of Nanaimo Daybreak. Also, a huge animal lover, she is a supporter of the SPCA, and currently serves as, Vice Chair with the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, Chair of the Non-Profit Organization task force and Director with Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation.
Contact Janice at 250-739-5765 or email
Tina Moreira is a skilled relationship builder and community connector with a passion for creating positive change. Born and raised in the community of Spences Bridge, BC, Tina obtained her business degree from Thompson Rivers University and began building connections across various roles and industries before settling in Nanaimo where she is grateful to call home.
With a talent for connecting people and building strong relationships, Tina has held previous positions with the Heart and Stroke Foundation and Numinus Bioscience as well as through her volunteer work including a key committee member of the quickly growing Nanaimo IWD gala.
Tina firmly believes in the importance of philanthropy through community engagement. She is committed to creating positive change through her work and supporting the health and well-being of the Nanaimo community.
Outside of work, Tina enjoys spending time with her two children and her dog, skiing, golfing, and volunteering in her community. Supporting her network of friends and making a positive impact in the lives of those around her is of utmost important to her, and she cherishes moments spent with loved ones.
Tina’s passion for community engagement and philanthropy, along with her talent for relationship building and community connection, will be instrumental in meeting the Foundation’s needed critical care fundraising goals. She is excited to continue making a difference through her work with the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation.
Contact Tina at 250-667-8462 or email
Karen has a passion for working with people who want to make a meaningful impact in our Mid-Island Community, which led her to joining the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation as Development Administrator in September 2020. With almost two decades of experience in both long-term care and children’s organizations, Karen has a deep understanding of the not-for-profit sector and the power of collective action to create a better world for all.
In January 2023, Karen began her new role as Manager of Strategic Initiatives & Grants. Karen works with our Foundation Team to develop strategies to increase operational efficiency and expand funding opportunities. She also fosters relationships with our grantors and seeks out new funders to help with our mission of supporting health-care excellence in the Mid-Island area.
Outside of her professional pursuits, Karen enjoys spending time with her family, and being out in nature on this stunning Island she chose as her home almost 30 years ago. Hiking the trails, swimming in the rivers and ocean, or nurturing her garden, Karen loves to immerse herself into all the beauty Vancouver Island has to offer.
Contact Karen at 250-755-7950 or email
As the Manager of Accounting Services Brittany Roelen is responsible for providing a full range of accounting functions for the Foundation and its two subsidiary businesses: Code Brew and the Nanaimo Lifeline Program.
In 2017, Brittany graduated from Conestoga College with an advanced diploma in Business Accounting. After graduation, she pursued a career in finance in a large consulting firm in London, Ontario where she gained valuable experience working with diverse clients and systems. Eventually, Brittany and her husband decided to make Nanaimo their home, bringing her considerable experience to the Foundation, where she is already making a positive impact.
Brittany is passionate about providing the community and dedicated hospital staff with the best resources and medical equipment possible. Brittany feels particularly motivated when working for organizations dedicated to a making a positive impact on the world.
In her spare time, Brittany lives an active life, enjoying all that the Island has to offer. In particular, she and her husband love to hike, kayak, and mountain bike.
Contact Brittany at 250-740-2651 or email
Tamara Paton came to us from San Diego California, where she worked in Health Care Leadership and Training for 15 years. In 2003, during a visit to Vancouver Island, Tamara was struck by the island’s beauty and everything it had to offer. Tamara and her husband purchased a home in Lantzville, excited to make this their forever home and raise their teenage daughter. Shortly after the move, Tamara began working for Aids Vancouver Island. Providing an instant immersion into the Vancouver Island community and allowed Tamara to offer needed compassionate assistance for those in need.
In 2007, Tamara joined Nanaimo Lifeline in the role of Executive Director, allowing her to work with local seniors and their families. Having spent countless hours with her grandmothers as a child, Tamara knew seniors had a world of knowledge and so much to offer. She wanted to help them live their best lives.
Tamara is passionate about helping seniors and the medically at risk to live safely and independently in their own homes. Tamara is proud to be a part of the Foundation by providing top-of-the line medical equipment that helps ensure the best health care outcomes for our community, making a difference in the lives of many.
Contact Tamara at 250-739-5768 or email
Chelsea was born and raised in Nanaimo and has a long and proud family history on Vancouver Island. After achieving her Bachelor’s Degree from Vancouver Island University (VIU) in 2015, she remained at VIU as an employee and joined the Advancement & Alumni Relations department, where she built strong relationships with donors to VIU for the better part of a decade. During this time, she received the Community Impact Award from CUPE Local 1858 for her years spent on the CUPE Executive as First and Second Vice-President, and her volunteer work as President of the Nanaimo Women’s Resources Society.
Chelsea thrives when she can advocate for others and believes in giving back. She has served as a Board Member for the Lion’s Club – Saturna Island Chapter, was a fundraising team lead for the MS Society of Canada and lead two head shaving fundraisers in support of the BC Cancer Foundation and Locks for Love.
In addition to her degree, Chelsea holds a certification in Applied Business Technology and has an extensive background in writing for business and impact. She has held high-level customer service and hospitality roles for over 20 years; work she has always gravitated to as a details-oriented person who loves to be of service to others.
Like so many people in our community, Chelsea has a very personal connection to Island Health. Her mother benefitted from the support of Island Health’s Home Support Workers whose care allowed her to remain at home during her long battle with MS. Chelsea is grateful for the opportunity to champion Island Health’s many wonderful initiatives by joining the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation team.
Contact Chelsea at 250-740-2622 or email
Clinton King joined the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation in March of 2020 as Manager of Code Brew, bringing with him a diverse and extensive career in both management and the hospitality industry. As the Manager of Code Brew, Clinton sees the close connection between the Café and the hospital through the staff that come to buy coffee and treats, and to unwind during their busy days. Promoted to the role of Manager of Business Enterprises & Foundation Liaison, Clinton now spends much of his time working closely with the Hospital and the Foundation on events and projects, while continuing to oversee the operations of Code Brew.
Before joining the Foundation Clinton spent five years with Home Depot, where he held every position from Department Supervisor, Manager on Duty, Night Operations Supervisor, to Co-chair of the Health and Safety Committee. Prior to that, Clinton was with Earls Restaurant in Nanaimo where he worked his way up from server to manager on duty, to shift manager to general manager and part owner.
Clinton has a Degree in Business Management from the University of Alberta and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from the University of Victoria.
Clinton has lived on Vancouver Island since 1997 but grew up on a cattle ranch near 100 Mile House BC. Clinton’s passion for working with animals and the outdoors came from growing up on a ranch. For many years, Clinton has translated that passion into rescuing, fostering and rehabilitating dogs to get them ready for their forever homes.
While not working Clinton enjoys gardening, camping, hiking, singing, and volunteering. He believes strongly in giving back to the community he lives in and helping the people around him.
Contact Clinton at 250-755-7691, ext 52244 or email
Christian brings extensive leadership and management experience to the Code Brew team.
Born and raised in Nanaimo, Christian is a Francophone with a passion for sports, helping others, and of course, coffee.
Christian began his career as the Assistant Equipment Manager for the Nanaimo Clippers Jr A Hockey Club. After a brief hiatus in Germany, he eventually returned to Nanaimo for a final season with the Nanaimo Clippers as the Equipment Manager. After that season, he transitioned to the hospitality industry, working at Earls in Nanaimo before relocating to Montreal. There, he worked at Moxies as a supervisor before working at the luxurious W hotel, perfecting his espresso artistry. Christian’s eye for detail, and meticulous work became noticed by several in the industry, making him an asset to any hospitality management team.
After many years away, Christian moved home primarily to be closer to his family. Excited to be home and working at Code Brew, Christian hopes to motivate and inspire his team mates to reach their full potential as ambassadors of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation.
When not at Code Brew, you can find Christian playing soccer, watching every Montreal Canadiens game, helping others (especially dogs) and cherishing time spent with his family.
Contact Christian at 250-755-7691, ext 52244 or email
Emily Tait keeps all our many and multifaceted activities moving forward in her role as Administration and Development Coordinator with the Foundation. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge in event planning and administration. Emily’s strength lies in her exceptional organizational skills, ability to multi-task, and boundless enthusiasm, which she brings to every task she undertakes.
Emily graduated from VIU in 2016, where she earned her certification in Applied Business Technology. Her education and experience have given her the skills necessary to excel in her current role, where she manages a wide range of tasks and initiatives to support the Foundation’s fundraising efforts.
Emily has a strong connection to the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation as her mother worked here for almost 20-years, who really engrained in her friends & family the importance of supporting your local hospital. Emily is excited to carry on her mother’s legacy and continue to champion the Foundation’s incredible initiatives.
When Emily isn’t hard at work, she enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the great outdoors, and traveling to new and exciting destinations. She is passionate about giving back to her community and volunteers her time with a variety of local organizations.
