If you would like to contact any of LWDHF’s Directors, we can be reached by using the contact form below, or email: lwdhf@lwdh.on.ca
Chair
Ashley Hendy
Implementation Support Coach, School Mental Health Ontario
Ashley is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an organization that directly impacts patients, staff and the community. Having spent her professional career in Child and Youth Mental Health advocating for and working with children, youth and their families she is passionate about access to local health care. She brings a variety of experiences through both professional and volunteer opportunities and is looking forward to contributing to new partnerships and innovative fundraising opportunities to continue to valuable contribution of the Foundation to our community.
” I enjoy volunteering on the hospital foundation board because it lets me support health care where it matters most—close to home. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that the work we do translates directly into better patient care, whether that’s new equipment, programs, or spaces. Best of all, it’s a chance to champion the amazing healthcare professionals who show up every day with skill, compassion, and heart.”
Directors
Barry Marmus
Commercial Branch Manager, The Standard Insurance
Being on the Board, I’ve seen what goes on behind the scenes and how much can actually get done when people pull together. It’s not just talk- it makes a real difference.
“My family and I have been on the receiving end of exceptional care here in Kenora, and that sticks with you. When it’s your own situation – or someone close to you – you see real quick how much the hospital and the people in it matter. That’s a big part of why I stepped up to get involved.
At the end of the day, we’ve all got people we’d do anything for. When they need care, you want to know the hospital’s ready for them. That means making sure the staff have the tools and support to do their jobs right. I’ve seen how important that is, and I’m proud to be part of it”
Arne Bratland
Owner/ Opertator of Bratland Insurance, Co-Operators Kenora
“Seeing the community come together for such an important cause – and knowing the direct impact it would have on local healthcare – was incredibly rewarding. It reinforced my belief in the power of giving and the difference a committed community can make.”
Melanie Buffett
Manager – Education, Organizational Development & Talent Manager, Lake of the Woods District Hospital
Melanie was born and raised in Dryden and has lived in Kenora with her daughter for the last 15 years. After graduating from Wilfred Laurier University in 1998, she moved to Toronto and worked in marketing and sales before returning to Northwestern Ontario in 2000.
Melanie has a 20-year background in Communications and Human Resources. She currently is the HR Manager for Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation. Prior to that she spent years serving in various HR and Communications roles at the Northwestern Health Unit.
“I’m passionate about giving back to the community I call home. Being involved with the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation means helping ensure exceptional healthcare is available locally for families today and for future generations.”
Laci Dingwall
Public Relations Manager, The Dingwall Group
I’m happy my family and I get to call Kenora home.
After moving here in 2008, I have tried my best to involve myself in our community as much possible. Starting my business career at Woodlake Marine in Finance, I quickly grew a huge respect for the lake and fisheries and became a director on the Kenora Bass internationals board of directors. Now 8 years later I am the Director of Sponsorship and Co-chair of the Tournament. I have also been a member on the Community Foundations Marketing Committee, The Kenora Recreation Centre’s Expansion Committee and am currently a Director for the Kids Can Fish ice fishing Tournament.
I have spent the last 4 years as the HR & Marketing Manager for the Dingwall Group of Companies. In this role I have been able to reach the community on so many other levels through organizing various charitable functions. This role has allowed me to strengthen my educational background in business marketing while creating great partnerships within the community!
Kenora is not only beautiful to look at, but is a town with the biggest heart. I’m a huge people person and it’s the people that truly make a strong and thriving community and I’m thrilled to be a part of that.
Dr. Steph Foidart
Family Physician
Ashley Hoffmeister
Director of Human Resources, Kenora District Homes
“Serving as a board member for the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation means a great deal to me, as it reflects my commitment to giving back to the community. Having been born and raised in Kenora and now raising my own family here, this community holds a special place in my life. Being involved in supporting local healthcare is closely tied to my core values and allows me to contribute in a meaningful way. Knowing that the work we do helps enhance care for patients and supports families in our community gives me a strong sense of purpose and connection, as I am able to be part of something that truly makes a difference.”
Kim Mejia
Partner, Hook Seller & Lundin
Kim was born and raised in Kenora and is now a Partner at Hook, Seller & Lundin LLP. Kim left Kenora shortly after graduating from Beaver Brae and returned to our community after completing her post-secondary education in southern Ontario and Australia. She now resides in Kenora with her husband and two children and uses her role with the Foundation to give back to the community. Kim believes in the integral role that the foundation plays in raising awareness for projects and services that help to maintain quality patient care at our Hospital. She is a strong believer in giving back to the greater community and the people who live, work and visit Kenora and the surrounding area.
“Serving on the Hospital Foundation board hospital allows me to help ensure our community hospital has the vital resources needed to deliver exceptional care close to home. It is deeply rewarding to know that every dollar raised can touch lives, strengthen local healthcare, and support our friends and neighbours when they need it most.”
Outgoing Board of Directors
Marc Bissonnette
Owner, Bell’s Septic & Environmental Services
