Foundation spotlight series: KGH Foundation

How long have you been with the Foundation?

Allison: I initially joined KGH Foundation as a fundraiser in 2017 working closely with donors, something I’ve always loved doing. My background spans over 20 years in the social sector, managing and leading various fundraising initiatives. Before coming to KGH, I was with Okanagan College, where I raised funds for trades programs—a vastly different cause, but one that played an important role in the community.

In 2022, after a rigorous selection process, I became CEO. Becoming CEO felt like the perfect next step, as it gave me the opportunity to further expand the impact the Foundation can have on the community I care so deeply about. The role has proven both a challenging and rewarding experience that allows me to channel my love for relationship-building, team leadership and organizational strategy.

Tell us about the focus of your Foundation and why what you do is important.

Allison: The KGH Foundation is primarily focused on raising funds to support health care for the people living in the Central Okanagan and surrounding communities. Our goal is to make sure that people can access the care they need, when they need it, without having to leave the Southern Interior, which is a huge benefit to both patients and their families. While our core mission is to support Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) and ensure it has the tools, technology, and resources to deliver world-class care, our vision doesn’t stop at acute care.

The KGH Foundation is also dedicated to investing in a healthier community overall. Knowing that health, and health care, is comprised of many interlocking aspects, we are looking at the broader picture.  We’ve expanded the scope of our mission to include opportunities and partnerships to fund community programs that provide upstream solutions that address the challenges we are facing downstream, while at the same time, helping establish KGH as on of the leading health science centres in the country. The KGH Foundation also owns and operates JoeAnna’s House, a home away from home for families of out-of-town patients receiving care at KGH.

While philanthropy is at the heart of what we do, our approach to generating revenue is evolving, enabling us to expand our impact in meaningful and sustainable ways. We operate four social enterprises – the KGH gift shop, bistro, coffee shop, and a thrift store in Rutland – that, with the support of hundreds of volunteers, generate over a million dollars a year. These businesses provide a revenue stream to supports health care priorities beyond traditional philanthropy.  

Why did you join the KGH Foundation?

Allison: I was drawn to KGH Foundation because it offered the perfect intersection of my passion for community health and my deep commitment to the social and public sector. Health care has always been close to my heart, in large part due to my mother’s work as a pediatric emergency nurse.  I grew up with a profound curiosity and appreciation for the role health care plays in creating strong, healthy communities.

Joining the KGH Foundation has allowed me to draw upon my experience, passion, and leadership strengths in a way that I feel truly makes a difference. I’m genuinely motivated by the opportunity to not only build upon the successes we’ve already achieved but also towards finding innovative ways to respond to the health care challenges we face. Leadership, for me, is about guiding and supporting my team and it’s about serving the community - creating an environment where we can all contribute to something greater than ourselves.

Do you have any favourite fundraising campaigns, current and past?

Allison: Philanthropy has been instrumental in shaping the hospital and services we have today, so it’s hard to pick a favorite campaign. Each has been significant in its own way. Our current Closer to Home Than You Think campaign stands out because it’s so novel (and so ambitious!), expanding our focus beyond equipment and capital to include investment in programs and people. These investments aim to drive innovation, improve efficiencies, and enhance the quality of care. Not only has this campaign brought significant local health care investments, but it’s also reshaping our Foundation’s mission and future direction.

Another campaign that really stands out is our joint effort with CMHA-Kelowna to raise the funds needed to open Foundry Kelowna, an integrated youth health care centre. The partnership allowed us to leverage our strengths in a way that supported community-based mental health services, something so needed in our region. It helped us understand how we can collaborate with community partners to extend our impact beyond the hospital.

And of course, JoeAnna’s House is a project that is especially close to my heart. In response to the overwhelming need for affordable accommodations for patients and families travelling for care, we took the lead in bringing this vision to life. What makes it even more special is that we continue to receive ongoing, generous support from donors across the region, ensuring that we can cover operating expenses and provide comfort for those who need it most. JoeAnna’s House has become a critical resource for families, and I’m incredibly proud of the role the Foundation played in its creation.

What are your words to live by?

Allison: Be curious. Be brave. Be accountable. These three principles are the foundation of both my professional and personal life. Curiosity keeps you open to new ideas and opportunities, allowing you to continuously learn and grow. Bravery gives you the courage to take bold steps and embrace the risks that are often necessary to create real change. And accountability ensures that you not only set goals but also follow through on your commitments with integrity. Together, they shape how I lead, serve, and strive to make a lasting impact.

What is the total donation amount made to IH to date?

Allison: Since its inception, the KGH Foundation has raised approximately $190 million, with about 90 per cent of that going directly to support Interior Health. These funds have been instrumental in addressing both immediate and long-term health care needs across our region. From investing in specialized equipment and critical infrastructure projects to supporting innovative community wellness initiatives. It's a legacy we're incredibly proud of, and one that continues to shape the future of health care in the Southern Interior.

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