The Niagara Health Foundation is proud to announce a transformational $500,000 gift from Desjardins Ontario Credit Union in support of the new South Niagara Hospital and the “It’s Our Future,” campaign.

A longstanding and innovative partner of the Niagara Health Foundation, Desjardins has once again stepped forward to invest in the future of health care for Niagara residents. Their generous contribution will support the It’s Our Future campaign, helping to bring state-of-the-art health services to the region.

“At Desjardins, we care deeply about the health and well-being of our communities. Supporting the South Niagara Hospital is about more than funding a construction project – it’s about creating a space for healing, hope and compassion,” said Billy Boucher, CEO of Desjardins Ontario Credit Union. “This project reflects our values of solidarity and mutual aid, and we’re honoured to be able to contribute to a healthier future for generations to come.”

Construction of the new South Niagara Hospital is advancing at an impressive pace. Just two years after the groundbreaking, more than 70% of the concrete structure has been poured, with mechanical and electrical systems already being installed on the lower floors. Work is underway on 10 of the building’s 12 stories, with hundreds of workers on site each day steadily bringing this landmark project to life. The hospital is on track to open its doors to patients in 2028, marking a new era of health care in Niagara.

When complete, the South Niagara Hospital will be a modern, patient-centered facility designed to transform the way care is delivered across the region. It will centralize services into a single, state-of-the-art site, reduce duplication, and improve coordination of care. The hospital will feature specialized centers of excellence, including stroke, complex care, and wellness, ensuring that Niagara residents can access advanced treatment closer to home. With healing environments filled with natural light, therapeutic terraces, and family-friendly spaces, it will provide compassionate settings to support patients and loved ones. Cutting-edge technology and innovation will equip health care teams with the tools they need to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality care.

“It is fantastic to have Desjardins join our It’s Our Future campaign,” said Andrea Scott, President & CEO of the Niagara Health Foundation. “This new hospital will transform care in Niagara. As we engaged with Desjardins, their excitement and commitment to making this vision a reality only grew stronger.”

In recognition of this remarkable gift, one of the Complex Care terraces—welcoming spaces filled with natural light designed for patients and families—will be named in honour of Desjardins Ontario Credit Union. “When we toured the worksite, I was able to truly picture what these spaces will mean for patients and their loved ones,” added Scott. “Soon, families will gather in these areas of warmth and light, knowing that they are supported by generous donors like Desjardins.”

This donation from Desjardins builds on a history of community-focused initiatives and strengthens their legacy as one of the Foundation’s most innovative and dedicated supporters.