A major donation is giving a significant boost to the effort to build a new hospital in Huntsville.
The Huntsville Hospital Foundation announced that billionaire investor and philanthropist Eric Sprott has contributed $10 million to the Raise Muskoka Campaign, bringing the total raised to more than $63 million toward the construction of the new Huntsville Hospital.
Beyond the donation itself, Sprott is challenging residents, seasonal cottagers, visitors and community supporters to help push the campaign beyond its goal of raising more than $70 million.
“Muskoka has been a very important part of our family’s life, and supporting the hospital was always important to us,” said Sprott. “We are proud of what our family and The Sprott Foundation have helped make possible over the years. Now we have an opportunity to build on that legacy with a new hospital. I’m very pleased to make this gift and to challenge everyone who loves Muskoka to be part of it.”
The Sprott family has a long history of supporting healthcare initiatives in Muskoka. Their previous contributions helped advance diagnostic services across the region, including the Sprott Foundation Diagnostic Imaging Department at Huntsville Hospital.
Hospital Foundation CEO Katherine Craine described the donation as a continuation of that longstanding commitment.
“Eric, his family and The Sprott Foundation have stood behind this hospital for years,” said Craine. “Their generosity has already touched the lives of so many patients and families. This gift continues that commitment and will help shape the future of healthcare in Muskoka.”
The new Huntsville Hospital, which will be named in honour of Bob Hutcheson, is being built to meet the needs of Muskoka's growing and aging population, providing expanded capacity, modern technology and updated healthcare spaces.
Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare President and CEO Cheryl Harrison said the impact of the donation will extend far beyond the hospital itself.
“This extraordinary gift will have an impact far beyond the walls of our future hospital,” said Harrison. “It is an investment in the patients and families who rely on MAHC’s Huntsville Hospital, and in the dedicated healthcare teams who care for them. We are deeply grateful for this generosity and the lasting impact it will have on healthcare in our community.”
Campaign organizers hope Sprott's donation will inspire others to contribute as fundraising efforts continue.
"Eric just did something incredible, and he sent us all an important message: this is our hospital, and this is our moment," said Raise Muskoka Campaign Co-Chair Tom Anselmi. "No matter the size of your gift, everyone can be part of building this hospital. Eric just raised the bar. Now it’s on all of us to keep the momentum going."
As the campaign closes in on its next fundraising milestone, hospital officials say every contribution will help bring the new facility one step closer to reality.
