Foundation News: Foundation Update (June 2025)

Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Foundation News~

We are excited to share our progress to date and the growing impact of your support.

Since the MRI Campaign was launched in December of 2023, the generosity shown by you, our donors, the first MRI unit to the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) will now be a reality. The construction to house the unit will begin this July, with the first MRI scan estimated to take place August 2026.

Since the fall of 2024, we have been celebrating remarkable donations which have provided the foundational support for this MRI Campaign and we are truly grateful to the many donors who chose to lend their support quietly as we have built momentum for this project.  Added to this was the government’s announcement of additional funding for MRI campaigns to communities across the region.

We are proud to announce the  outstanding success of the MRI/Equipment Campaign which has raised $2.7 Million to-date. Thanks to the generosity of the community of Sioux Lookout and supporters across Northwestern Ontario, Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win will receive its first ever, state-of-the-art MRI Machine.

This achievement was only possible thanks to the remarkable outpouring of support of people like you and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to:

• Our Business Community here at home and throughout Northwestern Ontario
• Local and regional residents
• Event Organizers and Community Fundraisers
• Major Gift partners and Philanthropic leaders

Your generosity is helping us build a leading-edge, Diagnostic Imaging Department, equipped with the tools and technology to deliver exceptional care, right here at home.

As we are at the end of the MRI Campaign, we are now focused on replacing the outdated CT scan and Mammography Unit. This new equipment will elevate Diagnostic Imaging to a state-of-the-art department.  All fundraising initiatives over the years and moving forward, will continue to facilitate upgrades in multiple departments at SLMHC. From all of us at the Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Foundation ~ thank you for making this happen!

Sioux Lookout Home Hardware Skip to Equip Ladies Curling Classic – November 7th, 8th & 9th, 2025

Entering its 14th year, this annual event is the largest third-party fundraiser for the SLMHC Foundation and as of 2024, this hardworking group of volunteers have raised over $1 million with your generous donations and pledges, keeping quality health care close to home.  This year’s theme is “Hats Off to Giving” in celebration of the kindness and generosity of our community.  The first 24 teams will be accepted.  More information to follow. 

Split the Pot Lottery – Now Monthly Draws with Weekly Early Bird Prizes!

The Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre Foundation is one of the 82 Ontario Hospital partners of Split the Pot Lottery for 2025!!  This lottery brings BIG win opportunities for our lucky supporters including multiple early bird draws and a monthly jackpot which is split between 13 Grand prize winners! This is different from a traditional 50/50 draw as the 13 Grand Prize winners “split the pot” as follows:
•    1 winner will take home 60% of the monthly jackpot
•    2 winners will split 20% of that monthly jackpot and
•    10 winners will split 20% of the monthly jackpot!

 Head over to www.splitthepot.ca. to get our monthly tickets.
•    Select your desired number of tickets and proceed to the cash out screen to fill out your information.
•    Be sure to select Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre Foundation from the drop-down list of hospital partners!  This is important.
•    Fill out your information, make your payment and receive confirmation and ticket numbers via email.

Thank you for your Support and Making a Difference!

With this community’s insight and hard work, you are making a difference now and for the future!  The Foundation is so appreciative of the growing support and the understanding of Sioux Lookout having such significant lifesaving equipment.  Diagnostic Imaging services are a core health care asset and improves patient outcomes because of more accurate and timelier diagnosis and treatment.  With the MRI build, this will complement Meno Ya Wins other diagnostic services.

Investing in your Meno Ya Win’s Health Centre will make a tremendous difference in the lives of residents here in Sioux Lookout and across Northwestern Ontario.  Family and community is healing, and your monetary gift is an act of care and compassion to ensure quality health care is accessible here at home in the community with our families. How can you help?  If your group, workplace or organization has an idea to fundraise, please reach out to Melissa at the Foundation office at 807-737-7997.  No idea is too large or small and the Foundation can help make it happen. 

Follow SLMHC Foundation on Facebook and Instagram and visit SLMHC Foundation website for more details on upcoming events, news and support opportunities.