Jan Shute and Doug Harvey enjoy their time at Clearwater Bay, hosting dock parties for their family and making lifelong memories at their Lake cottage. They are also committed to helping others – their children, grandchildren, friends and the community in Kenora and on the Lake.
Doug purchased their Clearwater Bay cottage nearly 30 years ago, and Jan fondly shares that their 3 children and 6 grandchildren are all ‘Lake kids,’ with the next generation now owning their own cottages in the area. Jan and Doug’s deeply held belief in helping others has been passed down through their actions, teaching their children and grandchildren the value of recognizing when help is needed and the importance of giving back. Their legacy of philanthropy stretches across Winnipeg, touching a wide range of causes close to their hearts. For Jan and Doug, giving is not just an act of generosity but a way of life—a commitment to improving the lives of others wherever they can.
Jan points out that more and more Lake residents are retiring and making their cottages permanent residences: “It’s good to know there’s a hospital here when you need it. If we can help ensure excellence in healthcare is available at Lake of the Woods District Hospital (LWDH), then we should do whatever is necessary to make this happen.”
Jan and Doug’s extraordinary generosity shines through in their annual donation of $50,000, which they have pledged to renew for the next four years. Their remarkable $250,000 commitment to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation will directly impact patient care by funding cutting-edge diagnostic equipment, including advanced Mammography technology, along with a new CT Scanner and Kenora’s first-ever MRI. This gift will not only elevate diagnostic capabilities, but will also profoundly enhance the quality of care at LWDH, allowing for earlier, more accurate diagnoses.
“The purchases of new equipment in our hospital would not be possible without the support of our community and donors like Jan and Doug,” said Dr. Catherine Murray, Chief of Radiology, LWDH. “With their help, we will be able to obtain state-of-the-art equipment and ensure that our community and surrounding areas have access to gold standard testing at home. The new MRI machine will offer quicker and quieter scan protocols and has the largest bore diameter on the market in order provide the most comfortable experience for our patients.”
The LWDH Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to Jan Shute and Doug Harvey for their early and generous commitment to supporting healthcare in our community. Their ongoing dedication is helping to enhance diagnostic services and improve care for everyone who relies on LWDH. Thanks to their support, access to better health services close to home is becoming a reality. We wish Jan and Doug many joyful family gatherings on their dock!