Royal Inland Hospital Foundation

Congratulations to the June Employee of the Month, Jo-Ann DeJong!⁠
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Jo-Ann was nominated by her fellow co-workers because:⁠

✨️She is always helpful and pleasant with all patients.

✨️She is supportive and a valuable resource to all staff.

✨️If she doesn’t know the answer, she will find it out.

✨️She is always smiling.

✨️She bakes everyone cookies – Every Single Person in the Rehab department gets Birthday Cookies and Christmas Cookies!

✨️She is a great listener and problem solver.

✨️The department runs smoothly because of her compassionate and approachable manner.

✨️She makes everyone feel important.

✨️She brings joy to every day.

Acres Steps Up for Mental Health! 🧠🥾

Throughout May, the Acres team came together to reach daily step goals in support of mental health care in our region. Thanks to the incredible participation of their employees and generosity of our community, Acres Steps Up for Mental Health raised $2,371.39 for the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation!

Every dollar raised stays local, helping fund mental health programs, equipment, and resources that support patients, families, and healthcare teams across Kamloops and the Interior.

“This initiative was a meaningful way to engage our employees and community while raising funds to help support mental health resources close to home. We are proud of what our team accomplished together and grateful to everyone who contributed to making a difference!” — Jeremy Buchner, VP of Operations, Acres Enterprises

Thank you to everyone who took steps, donated, and helped raise awareness for mental health!

⛳️ We are thrilled to share that the 29th Annual South Central Trucking & Industry (SCT&I) Charity Golf Tournament on May 22, 2026, raised over $152,000 net in support of recruitment and retention at Royal Inland Hospital.

Three years ago, the SCT&I Committee committed to strengthening healthcare in our region by supporting efforts to recruit and retain healthcare professionals at Royal Inland Hospital. Together, we have now raised more than $430,000 net in support of this important initiative! ✨️

Thank you to our sponsors, donors, golfers, volunteers, and community partners for making this incredible impact possible. Your support is helping strengthen healthcare close to home. 💚

As we celebrate this year's success, we're already looking ahead to an exciting milestone: the 30th Annual SCT&I Charity Golf Tournament in 2027! We hope you'll join us as we celebrate this special occasion. 🎉

💛🍋 Meet Rowan, Eliza, and Finn, who recently turned lemonade, baked treats, and a sunny afternoon into something truly meaningful. Together, they hosted a lemonade and bake sale in support of Royal Inland Hospital’s Pediatric Department, helping make hospital visits a little brighter for children by supporting things like games, toys, and other comforts that can make a big difference during a medical journey.
 
We are incredibly grateful for their thoughtfulness and generosity. Seeing young people choose to help other kids in our community is a beautiful reminder that kindness has no age limit.
 
But don’t take our word for it…swipe to hear from these inspiring young philanthropists themselves! ✨

In memory of her husband, Bruce, Claudette Whitehouse has made a generous donation to the Royal Inland Hospital Foundation to help furnish the new Oncology Pharmacy Counselling Space.

Her thoughtful gift will create a warm, private, and welcoming environment where patients can meet with pharmacists to better understand their medications, manage side effects, and receive the guidance and support they need throughout their cancer journey.

Thank you, Claudette, for honouring Bruce’s memory with a gift that will provide comfort, compassion, and care for patients and families for years to come. ❤️

After navigating a cancer diagnosis and witnessing the realities so many patients face, Tara knows just how much a strong, compassionate care team matters.

Today, she is cancer-free and what she hopes for is simple:

✨️Women book their mammograms
✨️For anyone facing a diagnosis to know that they are not alone
✨️And that future patients can access the care they need, close to home

Driven by that vision, Tara took action raising $3,170, which she donated to the RIH Foundation in support of radiation machines for the new Kamloops Cancer Centre to come.

Did you know? You can also help make this vision a reality. By supporting cancer care in Kamloops through the RIH Foundation, you are helping to bring more comprehensive treatment closer to home.

To learn more, click here: https://www.rihfoundation.ca/grateful-patients/tara-bauer/.

Tara’s year of cancer treatment changed everything, but it didn’t take away her determination. As she slowly regained her energy, she set a goal that felt almost unthinkable: a 50-kilometre ultramarathon at Berg Lake.

Training came with hard days. Radiation fatigue and medication often made running feel like a negotiation with her own body. But she kept going anyway, one step at a time.

On race day, Mount Robson rose clear against the sky, as if waiting for her. She felt strong, steady, and surrounded by people she loved.

This wasn’t just about finishing. It was about reclaiming what had been taken and running for everyone still finding their way through. ⛰️🏃‍♀️

To read Tara's full story, click here: https://www.rihfoundation.ca/grateful-patients/tara-bauer/

✨ Every great event needs people behind the scenes who simply say, "How can I help?" ✨

Today, we’re recognizing our incredible Event Supporters. Whether through in-kind contributions, expertise, services, or generosity, your support helps create the special touches that make Royal Affair such a memorable experience for our guests. 👑💙

Your willingness to give back reminds us that meaningful impact is built together.

Thank you for helping make Royal Affair possible and for standing behind the patients, families, and care teams of Royal Inland Hospital.

If you haven’t already, get your tickets here: rihfoundation.ca/current-events/royal-affair/!

In the hardest year of her life, Tara was surrounded by people who showed up in the moments that mattered most.

Her husband. Her parents. Close friends. The Rae Fawcett Breast Health Clinic and the all-women team at Royal Inland Hospital who cared for her every step of the way. It’s a kind of care you don’t forget.

Now, as Tara stands alongside her surgeon Dr. Lim, her family, and friends, she shares her story with immense gratitude. ✨️🤍

To read Tara’s full story, click here: https://www.rihfoundation.ca/grateful-patients/tara-bauer/