The Lions Club of Cobourg has been awarded the prestigious ‘Dr. of Philanthropy’ honour by Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH), recognizing over 30 years of unwavering support for local healthcare.
Past recipients have always been outstanding individuals who have made a substantial commitment to improving health in the community and have included the likes of Bill and Delphine Patchett, Fredrick Troop, Bill and Susan Copland, Lousie Stevenson and Dave Cunningham.
NHH Foundation CEO Rhonda Cunningham gave us a bit of background on the award.
This is the first time an organization has received the award, which was established in 2015 to acknowledge substantial contributions to community health beyond financial donations.
According to Cunningham, the award embodies the spirit of volunteerism.
During a recent meeting at the hospital, Lion Ron Wiebe accepted the honour on behalf of the club.
Cunningham shares why the club was honoured.
The award was presented by Dr. Mukesh Bhargava and Dr. Kate Everdell after a tour of the Lions and Lioness Cancer and Supportive Care Clinic, led by Program Manager Amy Miedema.
NHH Foundation CEO Rhonda Cunningham praised the Lions Club’s dedication, stating, “They have supported us in any ask we ever make of them. I don’t know if this club knows how to say no.”
The Lions Club’s involvement with the NHH Foundation includes volunteering at several hospital events each year and providing free space for the annual Wine & Ale event.
According to Cunningham, their ongoing commitment has made a lasting impact on the hospital and the wider Northumberland County community.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
