Giving with Heart

Season 2 Episode 5On this episode of Harbouring Hope, we’re talking about heart health—and the power of people coming together after a cardiac event to support one another and create change. The Nanaimo Heart Sisters are a group of local women who have each experienced their own cardiac journey. What began with peer connection has grown into something much bigger: a community of women offering encouragement, understanding, and hope to others facing similar challenges. Co-founder Diane Shipclark joins us to talk about how being a Heart Sister has helped her, how it’s helping her peers, and how together they’re advocating for better cardiac care in our region.  Damian Lange, Executive Director at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, is also on the podcast to share some exciting advancements happening in cardiology services at NRGH and throughout the region with support from the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance  ●       Diane Shipclark, Co-founder, The Nanaimo Heart Sisters Diane Shipclark is co-founder of the Nanaimo Heart Sisters, a group of local women who meet monthly to support each other and share stories about their heart and stroke experiences. Founded in 2009 with Shelley Wilkins Wallace, the group has grown to over 30 women who gather regularly not just to socialize and catch up, but also to collaborate on advocacy work.  ●       Damian Lange, Executive Director, Nanaimo Regional General Hospital  Damian Lange is the Executive Director of Clinical Service Delivery at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and a strategic leader with Island Health. With more than 15 years of clinical and administrative leadership experience, he has led quality improvement and change-management initiatives across Island Health and with provincial partners. Damian is passionate about improving patient care and expanding access to high-quality healthcare across Central and North Vancouver Island. He also serves on the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation Board in an ex-officio capacity, representing NRGH’s senior leadership team. About Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation Harbouring Hope is brought to you by the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. As a trusted partner to donors, healthcare providers, and the community, NDHF is dedicated to elevating healthcare excellence for Central Vancouver Island. Supported by generous donors, NDHF helps foster a healthier future for all by funding critical medical equipment and major healthcare projects, enhancing patient comfort, and ensuring residents receive top-tier medical care close to home. About your Host Barney Ellis-Perry has proudly served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation since 2022. His role includes engaging members of the community in support of a vital and growing Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Oceanside Health Centre, along with three long-term care facilities and two businesses that support their mission: Code Brew Cafe and Nanaimo Lifeline. Additional Resources from this Episode We've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list: ●       Nanaimo Heart Sisters●       Fair Care Alliance●       Nanaimo Regional General Hospital●       Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation●       Donate Now!●       Code Brew Cafe●       Nanaimo Lifeline

You may not be surprised to hear that women are some of our most thoughtful and generous donors. In this episode of Harbouring Hope, we welcome two women who have made significant gifts to the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation.  Retired economist Janet Farooq and retired businesswoman Jackie Clabon join us to talk about their journeys into philanthropy and what motivates them to give so generously. They also share advice on how to give both strategically and from the heart. Janet and Jackie bring a lifetime of experience, perspective, and community commitment to the question of why women give, how they make decisions, and what it means to invest in healthcare for the future of Central Vancouver Island. Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance  ●       Janet Farooq, Retired Economist and Philanthropist Janet Farooq is an economist whose career has spanned academia, international development, and the United Nations. A graduate of Queen’s University and the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her PhD in Economics, she taught at Yale University and the University of Ile-Ife in Nigeria before spending more than two decades with the United Nations in Geneva and Bangkok. Her work focused on international trade, sustainable development, poverty reduction, and financial systems. Since retiring to Vancouver Island in 2001, Janet has remained deeply engaged in her community, supporting education, women’s scholarships, newcomer students, and healthcare.  ●       Jackie Clabon, Retired Businesswoman and Philanthropist Jackie Clabon has called Nanaimo home for the past 30 years, following a life and career that took her around the world. With a background in the fashion industry, Jackie built a rewarding career that allowed her to pursue her passion, embrace new challenges, and experience success along the way. Grateful for the opportunities and experiences that shaped her journey, she considers making Vancouver Island home one of life’s greatest blessings.  About Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation Harbouring Hope is brought to you by the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. As a trusted partner to donors, healthcare providers, and the community, NDHF is dedicated to elevating healthcare excellence for Central Vancouver Island. Supported by generous donors, NDHF helps foster a healthier future for all by funding critical medical equipment and major healthcare projects, enhancing patient comfort, and ensuring residents receive top-tier medical care close to home. About your Host Barney Ellis-Perry has proudly served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation since 2022. His role includes engaging members of the community in support of a vital and growing Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Oceanside Health Centre, along with three long-term care facilities and two businesses that support their mission: Code Brew Cafe and Nanaimo Lifeline. Additional Resources from this Episode We've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list: ●       Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation●       Donate Now!●       Code Brew Cafe●       Nanaimo Lifeline

There is a serious shortage of healthcare workers in BC, and addressing the shortage in our region is a big part of what we do at the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. In this episode of Harbouring Hope, we’re talking about some of the initiatives underway to encourage healthcare workers to make the move to Nanaimo, and what we’re doing to make sure they feel welcome enough to stay. Tod Maffin joins us to tell us how he and his wife Jocelyn started their Nanaimo Infusion events. What began as a fun little project to boost local tourism quickly turned into an effective way to attract healthcare workers from south of the border. Cody Dreger, local Realtor and Board Member at the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, is also on the podcast to talk about the Foundation's Red Carpet Program, which helps healthcare workers relocate to Nanaimo, find housing, and feel welcome in their new home. Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance Tod Maffin, Emotional Support Canadian, Founder of Nanaimo InfusionTod Maffin is a digital marketing strategist, content creator, former national radio host, and public speaker. He is best recognized for his commentaries on Canadian identity, history, and culture, as well as his expertise in emerging technology and online business strategy. Tod and his wife Jocelyn are the founders of Nanaimo Infusion, an initiative to attract tourists from the U.S. to Nanaimo. These events led to another initiative focused on encouraging American healthcare professionals to relocate to Nanaimo. Infusion events have since spread to other communities across Canada.Cody Dreger, Realtor, Island Home Group, Board Member, Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation Cody Dreger is a lifelong Nanaimo resident and top-producing real estate agent. With over 20 years of local market experience, he specializes in residential homes and new developments across Central Vancouver Island. Cody is a prominent figure in the Vancouver Island community and actively supports and works with many local charities. He is a member of the Board of Directors at the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, where he contributes to initiatives like the Red Carpet Program.About Nanaimo & District Hospital FoundationHarbouring Hope is brought to you by the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. As a trusted partner to donors, healthcare providers, and the community, NDHF is dedicated to elevating healthcare excellence for Central Vancouver Island. Supported by generous donors, NDHF helps foster a healthier future for all by funding critical medical equipment and major healthcare projects, enhancing patient comfort, and ensuring residents receive top-tier medical care close to home.About your HostBarney Ellis-Perry has proudly served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation since 2022. His role includes engaging members of the community in support of a vital and growing Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Oceanside Health Centre, along with three long-term care facilities and two businesses that support their mission: Code Brew Cafe and Nanaimo Lifeline.Additional Resources from this EpisodeWe've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:● TodMaffin.com ● Cody Dreger, Board of Directors, NDHF● Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation#podcast #hospital

Did you know Nanaimo is one of the most exciting places to be for healthcare professionals who want a chance to make a difference? That’s because austerity has made our region a breeding ground for innovative approaches to delivering healthcare. In this episode of Harbouring Hope, we’re talking about some of the most innovative programs happening at our healthcare facilities. Nanaimo Regional General Hospital’s Executive Medical Director Kelly Cox joins us to share how healthcare disparities are fostering a positive, forward-thinking culture that attracts talent and encourages creative approaches to building the programs our community needs. And of course, innovation would not be possible without the generous support of donors and engaged business leaders in our community. Colin Stansfield from the Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation is also on the podcast to share why it’s important to invest in these kinds of transformative healthcare initiatives.  Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance Dr. Kelly Cox, Executive Medical Director, Nanaimo Regional General HospitalDr. Kelly Cox is a prominent pediatrician and the Executive Medical Director at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH). She has dedicated over a decade to serving the central Vancouver Island community through local medical leadership, pediatric healthcare development, and workforce advocacyColin Stansfield, CEO, Nanaimo Prosperity CorporationColin Stansfield is an economic development leader and CEO of the Nanaimo Prosperity Corporation (NPC), which partners with local businesses, municipal governments, the Snuneymuxw First Nation, and community stakeholders to build a sustainable and inclusive economy. Stansfield specializes in "purpose-driven" economic development. His approach balances business growth with public policy, social justice, and environmental sustainability. He focuses heavily on creating collaborative "win-win-win" scenarios where community wealth is shared equitably among local residents and regional partners.About Nanaimo & District Hospital FoundationHarbouring Hope is brought to you by the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. As a trusted partner to donors, healthcare providers, and the community, NDHF is dedicated to elevating healthcare excellence for Central Vancouver Island. Supported by generous donors, NDHF helps foster a healthier future for all by funding critical medical equipment and major healthcare projects, enhancing patient comfort, and ensuring residents receive top-tier medical care close to home.About your HostBarney Ellis-Perry has proudly served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation since 2022. His role includes engaging members of the community in support of a vital and growing Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Oceanside Health Centre, along with three long-term care facilities and two businesses that support their mission: Code Brew Cafe and Nanaimo Lifeline.Additional Resources from this EpisodeWe've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:Nanaimo Regional General HospitalNanaimo Prosperity CorporationNanaimo & District Hospital FoundationDonate Now!Code Brew CafeNanaimo Lifeline#podcast #health

Nanaimo is a historically blue-collar community, where access to healthcare has long been a challenge. This area is home to half the population of Vancouver Island but only gets 1/5th of its health resources. On this first episode of Season 2 of Harbouring Hope, host Barney Ellis-Perry chats with Donna Hais and Jon Waddell from the Fair Care Alliance, a grassroots advocacy group that’s been working hard to address these gaps and make our healthcare needs a key political issue. Thanks to their advocacy, Nanaimo now stands out as the only community in British Columbia with two healthcare projects approved to move forward into concept planning––a new patient tower and a cardiovascular cath lab.Meet Our Guests in Order of Appearance Donna Hais, Co-Founder, Fair Care AllianceDonna Hais is a Nanaimo business leader and healthcare advocate dedicated to improving access to specialized healthcare on Central and North Vancouver Island. She serves on the Board of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, is Community Liaison for the Medical Staff Association, chairs the Fair Care Alliance and the Nanaimo Port Authority, and serves on the Mayor's Leaders Table. Former President of both the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce and the Nanaimo Executive Association, she has been a leading voice advocating for expanded tertiary healthcare services for the residents of Central and North Vancouver Island. In 2014, she was named Nanaimo's Community Leader of the Year.Jon Waddell aka “The Celtic Warrior”, Board Member, Fair Care AllianceJon Waddell is a successful businessman, healthcare advocate and community leader with the Fair Care Alliance, a citizen-led coalition working to secure equitable access to tertiary healthcare for residents of Central and North Vancouver Island. Through the Alliance, he has helped champion the case for a new patient tower and a cardiac catheterization lab at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, highlighting the healthcare disparities faced by nearly half a million residents living north of the Malahat. Waddell works alongside physicians, business leaders, Indigenous leaders, and community organizations to advocate for modern healthcare infrastructure and improved access to specialized care for the region.About Nanaimo & District Hospital FoundationHarbouring Hope is brought to you by the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. As a trusted partner to donors, healthcare providers, and the community, NDHF is dedicated to elevating healthcare excellence for Central Vancouver Island. Supported by generous donors, NDHF helps foster a healthier future for all by funding critical medical equipment and major healthcare projects, enhancing patient comfort, and ensuring residents receive top-tier medical care close to home.About your HostBarney Ellis-Perry has proudly served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation since 2022. His role includes engaging members of the community in support of a vital and growing Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Oceanside Health Centre, along with three long-term care facilities and two businesses that support their mission: Code Brew Cafe and Nanaimo Lifeline.Additional Resources from this EpisodeWe've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:Fair Care AllianceNanaimo & District Hospital FoundationDonate Now!Code Brew CafeNanaimo Lifeline#podcast #healthcare

In Season 2 of Harbouring Hope, we're exploring the people, partnerships, and bold ideas transforming healthcare in Nanaimo and across Central and North Vancouver Island. Join Barney Ellis-Perry, your host and CEO of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, as he chats with people from the front lines of our healthcare facilities and those whose generous time and donations help support ongoing improvement of healthcare in our community. This second season digs deeper into topics like healthcare advocacy, innovation, philanthropy and all the exciting things happening here in our region. From advocates who are turning healthcare into a defining political issue, to people working to attract fresh talent from across the border, to people whose own medical journeys have inspired them to get involved, our guests this season will open your eyes to a world of possibility and hope for a better tomorrow.About Nanaimo & District Hospital FoundationHarbouring Hope is brought to you by the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. As a trusted partner to donors, healthcare providers, and the community, NDHF is dedicated to elevating healthcare excellence for Central Vancouver Island. Supported by generous donors, NDHF helps foster a healthier future for all by funding critical medical equipment and major healthcare projects, enhancing patient comfort, and ensuring residents receive top-tier medical care close to home.About your HostBarney Ellis-Perry has proudly served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation since 2022. His role includes engaging members of the community in support of a vital and growing Nanaimo Regional General Hospital and Oceanside Health Centre, along with three long-term care facilities and two businesses that support their mission: Code Brew Cafe and Nanaimo Lifeline.#podcast #hospital #healthcare

Welcome to Harbouring Hope, a podcast brought to you by the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, hosted by Foundation CEO Barney Ellis-Perry.In each episode, we’ll take you behind the scenes of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Oceanside Health Centre, and other facilities supported by our Foundation to explore the many departments, innovations, and dedicated professionals who keep our healthcare system running. From doctors and nurses to administrative leaders and patients with lived experience, we’ll hear powerful stories that reveal both the challenges and the triumphs within our hospital walls.Most importantly, we’ll shine a light on the critical role our community plays… because behind every success story is a network of generous supporters helping to make it all possible.In this episode, we meet Dr. David Forrest, a Critical Care Physician at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Dr. Forrest shares the successes and challenges of the cardiac department at the hospital, and how many patients need to go to Victoria for cardiac care, and why this is not ideal.We will also meet Pat Morris, who went from patient to dedicated donor, after she experienced cardiac issues in 2015, shortly after her husband died.Meet our Guests:Dr. David Forrest, Critical Care PhysicianPat Morris, DonorMeet our Host:Barney Ellis-Perry is the Chief Executive Officer of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. He has served in this role since 2022. His role includes engaging members of the community in support of a vital and growing hospital along with three long-term care facilities and two businesses that support their mission. Under his leadership, the Foundation has developed and implemented a new strategic plan to double fundraising in three years, increased cash donations by 50% in year one, and grown a terrific staff team by 40%.Additional Resources from this Episode We've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation: https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/Donate now!: https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/donate/

Welcome to Harbouring Hope, a podcast brought to you by the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, hosted by Foundation CEO Barney Ellis Perry. In each episode, we’ll take you behind the scenes of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Oceanside Health Centre, and other facilities supported by our Foundation to explore the many departments, innovations, and dedicated professionals who keep our healthcare system running. From doctors and nurses to administrative leaders and patients with lived experience, we’ll hear powerful stories that reveal both the challenges and the triumphs within our hospital walls. Most importantly, we’ll shine a light on the critical role our community plays… because behind every success story is a network of generous supporters helping to make it all possible.In this episode, we meet Dr. Rob Johnson, the head of Radiology at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Dr. Johnson shares the successes and challenges of the imaging department at the hospital. He also details the importance of Nuclear Medicine at the hospital. We will also meet Carly Carey, a two-time cancer “thriver”, who went from patient to dedicated volunteer, who ran a successful campaign for a new SpecCT for the hospital. She shares her journey through cancer, as well as her volunteer work. Meet our Guest:-Dr. Rob Johnson, Head of Radiology at NRGH-Carly Carey, VolunteerMeet our Host:Barney Ellis-Perry is the Chief Executive Officer of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. He has served in this role since 2022. His role includes engaging members of the community in support of a vital and growing hospital along with three long-term care facilities and two businesses that support their mission. Under his leadership, the Foundation has developed and implemented a new strategic plan to double fundraising in three years, increased cash donations by 50% in year one, and grown a terrific staff team by 40%.We've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation: https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/Donate now!: https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/donate/#podcast

Welcome to Harbouring Hope, a podcast brought to you by the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, hosted by Foundation CEO Barney Ellis Perry. In each episode, we’ll take you behind the scenes of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Oceanside Health Centre, and other facilities supported by our Foundation to explore the many departments, innovations, and dedicated professionals who keep our healthcare system running. From doctors and nurses to administrative leaders and patients with lived experience, we’ll hear powerful stories that reveal both the challenges and the triumphs within our hospital walls. Most importantly, we’ll shine a light on the critical role our community plays… because behind every success story is a network of generous supporters helping to make it all possible. In this episode, we meet Shelley Gallant, Executive Director Of Operations and Community Care, Palliative End of Life, and Seniors Strategies. Shelley oversees delivery of community health services at a variety of service facilities around Central Vancouver Island. She shares what services are provided to the population of Central Island, which is the oldest population in Canada. Meet our Guest: Shelley Gallant, Executive Director Of Operations and Community Care, Palliative End of Life, and Seniors Strategies Meet our Host: Barney Ellis-Perry is the Chief Executive Officer of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. He has served in this role since 2022. His role includes engaging members of the community in support of a vital and growing hospital along with three long-term care facilities and two businesses that support their mission. Under his leadership, the Foundation has developed and implemented a new strategic plan to double fundraising in three years, increased cash donations by 50% in year one, and grown a terrific staff team by 40%. Additional Resources from this Episode We've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list: Nanaimo & District HospitalFoundation: https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/Donate now!: https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/donate/

Season 1 Episode 3Welcome to Harbouring Hope, a podcast brought to you by the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation, hosted by Foundation CEO Barney Ellis-Perry. In each episode, we’ll take you behind the scenes of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Oceanside Health Centre, and other facilities supported by our Foundation to explore the many departments, innovations, and dedicated professionals who keep our healthcare system running. From doctors and nurses to administrative leaders and patients with lived experience, we’ll hear powerful stories that reveal both the challenges and the triumphs within our hospital walls.Most importantly, we’ll shine a light on the critical role our community plays… because behind every success story is a network of generous supporters helping to make it all possible. In this episode, we meet Damian Lange, the Site Lead of the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. He details his role within the hospital and the flexibility of his team. Damian also shares details about upcoming projects at the hospital, such as the new cancer centre. Damian also shares what keeps him coming into the office each day… continuing to help those in need while maintaining an excellent attitude in tough conditions under extreme pressure. Meet our Guest: Damian Lange, Site Lead for Nanaimo Regional General HospitalMeet our Host: Barney Ellis-Perry is the Chief Executive Officer of the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation. He has served in this role since 2022. His role includes engaging members of the community in support of a vital and growing hospital along with three long-term care facilities and two businesses that support their mission. Under his leadership, the Foundation has developed and implemented a new strategic plan to double fundraising in three years, increased cash donations by 50% in year one, and grown a terrific staff team by 40%. Additional Resources from this Episode We've gathered the resources from this episode into one helpful list:Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation: https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/Donate now!: https://nanaimohospitalfoundation.com/donate/#podcast