Foundation spotlight series: RIH Foundation

April 5, 2024

Celebrating the success of the 10th RIH Foundation Radiothon. L to R: Rob Splane, Abby Zieverink, Shanah Skjeie, Denise Newton, Heidi Coleman, Marisa Bertoli, Dino Bernardo, Kimberly Gauthier, Jenna Vanderburgh, Marcy Matthew, Karen Bainas, Emily Pearson.

Foundations in the Interior Region raise funds that support medical equipment, care needs, and innovative local initiatives in their communities. Each organization includes respected community leaders, volunteers and staff who are passionate about meeting the needs of patients and families in Interior Health. Thanks to the generosity of their supporters, we all have a stronger health system.

In this second story of our series on the incredible health-care and hospital foundations throughout our region, we interviewed Heidi Coleman, CEO, Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) Foundation.

With a vision for a healthier community, Heidi Coleman has been the driving force behind the remarkable strides made by the RIH Foundation. She's celebrating her 12th anniversary with the Foundation this August.

"I believe that everyone should have timely access to good health care, and I work hard to make sure this happens in our community and in the surrounding areas," says Heidi.

Three people in medical attire and one woman wearing a green shawl hold on to a white machine called LUCAS — The LUCAS machine, which is used to deliver external chest compressions to patients in cardiac arrest, was purchased with funds raised through the annual RIH Foundation Radiothon. From left to right: Dr. Christopher Prelypchan, Jordi Lebourdais, Luke Shepard, Heidi Coleman.

The RIH Foundation focuses on funding critical equipment and advancements in medical facilities in Kamloops and nearby communities, including the new Teck emergency department along with other major Phase 2 renovations at RIH. The Foundation also advances community health and well-being initiatives that extend beyond hospital walls and the recruitment and retention of medical professionals.

Nothing is impossible when we all work together.

-- RIH Foundation motto

Reflecting on her favourite fundraising campaigns, Heidi recalls the Together We Rise campaign for the Phil and Jennie Gaglardi Patient Care Tower at RIH. "It stands out due to the incredible contribution of our cabinet, board and the community," she shares. "It was not just about raising funds—it was about coming together as a team, united in a shared mission."

Under her leadership, the RIH Foundation has raised an astounding $35 million in the past three years alone with the Together We Rise campaign.

A man with longish white hair wearing a black tshirt, a youth wearing a grey toque and tshirt and a woman wearing a pink tshirt and holding a face shield stand on a porch with two dogs, one black and one tan — Heidi, her son Julian, her husband Glenn, and their great furry loves, Rosie and Maple, who have crossed the rainbow bridge.

Heidi could not choose a standout donation as they are all uniquely meaningful. "I especially love when families come together to plan their donations. It's a beautiful display of generational love and commitment to our hospital. It’s all our hospital, and together, we care."

There is always a way.

-- RIH Foundation motto