Kenora, ON – August 12, 2025
The Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation (LWDHF) is thrilled to share the outstanding success of Lifesavers Week 2025, culminating in the 19th Annual Lifesavers Dinner & Auction. For the third year in a row, the event sold out and together our community raised $422,160 to fund nine critical pieces of capital medical equipment for the Lake of the Woods District Hospital (LWDH).
Vault on the Water Kicks Off Lifesavers Week
Lifesavers Week began with an energetic and inspiring event hosted at Vault on the Water (formerly Wheelhouse on the Water) on August 5th. Led by the motivators of Wheelhouse Cycle Club Winnipeg, cycling enthusiasts gathered on the docks of a generous LWDH Foundation supporter, overlooking the beauty of Lake of the Woods. The event blended fitness, fun, and philanthropy, setting the tone for a week filled with community spirit and generosity.
Celebrating the Generosity of Our Lighthouse Families
On August 6th, we proudly celebrated the generosity of our 32 Lighthouse Families at an exclusive cocktail party graciously hosted by the Douglas Family. This gathering not only thanked these leading supporters for their foundational contributions but also showcased the power of early leadership in inspiring others to give.
Guests enjoyed a warm evening of connection and conversation, highlighted by inspiring presentations from Dr. Brad Kyle, Dr. Sean Moore and Cheryl O’Flaherty about the new Rural General Council care model, AI in medicine and recent hospital advancements. These advancements are the tangible impact of philanthropic investment in healthcare at a place we all call home.
The success of the evening was made possible by the contributions of many, including our incredible volunteer servers and our wonderful dock attendantswho played an essential role in ensuring smooth operations on the water. Many of these young volunteers have been part of Lifesavers Week for several years, embodying the tradition of service that strengthens our community.
The Lifesavers Dinner & Auction: A Grand Finale
The week’s celebrations concluded on August 9th at the Royal Lake of the Woods Yacht Club, where nearly 170 guests came together for the 19th Annual Lifesavers Dinner & Auction. Guests enjoyed a gourmet dinner prepared by Chef Rob Thomas, live entertainment, walk-around magic by Evan Morgan, a photo booth experience courtesy of 6 Degrees Photobooth, and a spirited live auction led by Bruce Klassen. A new Local Artisan Silent Auction, featuring 16 unique pieces, added a special local flair to the evening.
Tables were adorned with beautiful centrepieces generously donated by Kyla Jorgensen of Flowers By the Lake on 2nd Street South in Kenora. Guests also received thoughtful take-home gifts including a Lifesavers Blend of coffee, created specifically for this occasion by Jeremy Brown at Nautical Coffee, and delicious homemade S’mores Cookies, kindly prepared and donated by Deanna at Baked by the Lake.
Funds raised will directly support the purchase of nine essential pieces of capital medical equipment for LWDH:
- Maternity Unit – Two infant warmers and two air blenders
- Emergency Department – A point-of-care ultrasound machine and a bladder scanner
- Laboratory – Piccolo Xpress Chemistry Analyzer, general microscope, motorized microtome, and fluorescence microscope
- Medical Device Reprocessing Department (MDRD) – A new washer-disinfector
The evening was masterfully emceed by Karen Dunlop, whose warmth and energy kept the program flowing seamlessly. A highlight of the night was an inspiring update from Dr. Catherine Murray, Chief Radiologist and Diagnostic Imaging Service Lead at LWDH, on the tremendous progress made in Diagnostic Imaging over the past five years. These advancements are made possible in large part thanks to community support.
Leadership, Community, and Gratitude
The event’s success was driven by the dedicated leadership of Co-Chairs Lisa Paterson and Aynsley Cockshott and the tireless efforts of the Lifesavers Committee: Kate Paterson, Dr. Catherine Murray, Melissa Jean, Kevin Chipman, and Nicki Douglas. Their vision, passion, and commitment made this year’s event another shining success.
Special recognition was given to Vault on the Water and to the 32 Lighthouse Families, whose generosity continues to be a beacon for others. Thanks to their leadership and the support of countless donors, artisans and volunteers, the Lifesavers Dinner & Auction has now raised over $4 million since its inception.
A Community That Saves Lives Together
“Events like the Lifesavers Dinner & Auction are truly the heartbeat of our hospital community,” said Cheryl O’Flaherty, President & CEO of LWDH. “The generosity shown here tonight translates directly into better care, faster diagnoses, and improved outcomes for our patients. We are deeply grateful to everyone who makes this event possible.”
“Your support tonight is more than just a donation,” added Mira Trebilcock, Executive Director of the LWDH Foundation. “It is a profound investment in the health and well-being of our community. Together, we are equipping our doctors and healthcare providers with the tools they need to deliver exceptional care, right here at home.” The Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a part in making Lifesavers Week 2025 and the 19th Annual Lifesavers Dinner & Auction an unforgettable celebration of generosity, connection, and hope.
Our 2025 Lighthouse Families
Don and Rhoda Beasant,
Jim Borger and Family,
Mark and CariLyn Buller,
The Chipman Family,
Grant and Aynsley Cockshott & Family,
The Bryce and Nicki Douglas Family,
Guy and Lou Goodwin,
The Heimbecker Family,
The Paul and Carol Hill Family,
Chris & Pam Hodgson,
Larry and Carolyn Hursh,
Bruce Klassen & Karen Dunlop,
Kevin and Deneen Klippenstein,
Dr. Brad and Kristin Kyle,
Manitou Investment Management Ltd.,
Dr. Catherine Murray and Matthew Johnson,
Dr. Ken and Judy Murray,
Bill and Theresa Parrish,
Andrew Paterson and Family,
Shane and Kate Paterson,
Gerry and Barb Price,
Bob and Marnie Puchniak,
Robert & Penny Richards,
Beverley Richardson, Jim and Leney Richardson, Hartley and Heather Richardson,
Sandy and Debbie Riley & Family,
Ross and Allana Robinson,
Rod and Jeannie Senft & Family,
Brian and Jennifer Thiessen,
Graeme and Sara Thomson & Family,
Arni Thorsteinson and Susan Glass.