Gift honours the legacy of Douglas Dufresne, while investing in education, innovation and the future of surgical care in Kenora
Just one week after the launch of The Strengthening Surgical Care Close to Home Initiative, the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation is proud to announce the first major community gift. Mike and Mona Linton have proudly committed $125,000 to support the initiative, which was launched with the transformational $1 million gift from The Dufresne Family, in memory of Douglas and Michael Dufresne.
The Lintons’ gift reflects their shared belief that exceptional healthcare depends not only on modern equipment, but also on investing in the people who provide care. Their generosity will help create opportunities for specialized education, professional development and hands-on training, ensuring local surgical teams continue to build their expertise while providing exceptional care in Northwestern Ontario.
“Doug Dufresne always inspired people to be constantly learning,” said Mike Linton. “We are pleased to honour his memory with a contribution to the Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation to support developing surgical capabilities in Kenora. Doug and his family were committed to this community.”
The Strengthening Surgical Care Close to Home Initiative is focused on enhancing the Hospital’s surgical program through investments in state-of-the-art technology, innovative equipment, education, recruitment and ongoing professional development. By strengthening local surgical capacity, the initiative will help more patients receive high-quality care closer to home while supporting the recruitment and retention of exceptional healthcare professionals.
“The Lintons have long demonstrated their commitment to building a stronger community,” said Mira Trebilcock, Executive Director, Lake of the Woods District Hospital Foundation. “As the first leadership donors to step forward following the Dufresne family’s remarkable gift, Mike and Mona are helping build the momentum that will turn this vision into reality. Their investment in education and innovation will help ensure our surgical teams have access to the training, technology and equipment they need to continue delivering exceptional care close to home.”
“We hoped the Dufresne family’s extraordinary generosity would inspire others to join this initiative, and Mike and Mona have done exactly that,” added Trebilcock. “Their leadership is an incredible example of what is possible when our community comes together around a shared vision. We are deeply grateful for their confidence in the future of surgical care in Kenora.”
Community members wishing to join the Dufresnes and Lintons in strengthening surgical care close to home are invited to make a donation online or by phone at 807-468-9861 ext.2469.