About

About2023-11-16T14:30:15-06:00

The Interlake-Eastern Health Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life in our communities through investments in health and health care. We provide financial support to all of the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority (IERHA) facilities and programs to enhance extraordinary patient care, close to home.

The goal of the Interlake-Eastern Health Foundation is to ensure health care expectations of our communities and staff are met. As a Foundation, we partner with the community to implement a wide variety of initiatives to achieve this ambitious goal.

Our Mission

We build healthier lives and enhance quality of life by raising funds to support health in our community.

Our Why

We are the essence of what community stands for; we take care of each other and help build healthier lives and communities.

At 61,000 km2 the Interlake-Eastern RHA is one of Manitoba’s largest health regions, home to 133,800 residents, 10 hospitals, and 12 long-term care sites that provide general and specialized care to a diverse patient population. The number of people in the region increases significantly over the summer as cottage owners and vacationers enjoy the multitude of lakes and beaches within our boundaries.

Focus Areas:

Recognition, retention, training, and recruitment of physicians and staff.

Upgrades and enhancements of facilities and equipment.

Advancement of programs and new projects.

A Message from the Executive Director

“We Believe: in raising the funds needed to bring exceptional care, close to home for the residents of the Interlake Eastern Health Region.”

Since assuming the role of Executive Director of the Foundation in May 2023, I have been inspired by the generosity and dedication of our community. You take such joy in enriching the lives of all residents of our community.

Like our donors, we are committed to delivering outstanding healthcare, but we can’t do it without you! With your support we can meet the challenge of caring for our community and ensuring a legacy of caring continues.

Thank you!

Averill Stephenson, Executive Director

We bridge the gap between healthcare expectations and reality by fostering meaningful relationships with community members and organizations, and by leading and partnering on initiatives that support great care, close to home.

Our Board of Directors

We at the Interlake Eastern Health Foundation are truly honoured to work with you, our community, to support health and health care in the Interlake Eastern Regional Health Authority. Your support has been the driving force behind the positive impact that the Interlake Eastern Health Foundation has achieved. Thank you for being part of our journey.

As we continue our work, your support is more important than ever. I invite you to consider deepening your involvement with IEHF by making a donation, partnering with us to improve the health of your community, joining us a volunteer on our board, or simply amplifying our message by sharing with your network.

Together we can magnify our efforts and create lasting change to improve the health of our community. Thank you!

Brent Wynyk, IEHF Board Chair (Winnipeg)

Terri Otto, Vice Chair
Terri Otto, Vice Chair Ashern
I joined the IEHF to learn more about the foundation and offer representation in the northwest region where I live and work. I have family and friends who have used the services of the IERHA across the region, and feel it is important to bring light to how we all can support health care through fundraising efforts.
Ted Lewis, Past Chair
Ted Lewis, Past ChairSelkirk
My family and I have experienced first-hand how important an early diagnosis, treatment, and a caring follow up support program is to a positive outcome. I joined the foundation to demonstrate my appreciation and to make a positive impact in the lives of people in our region. Working with like-minded individuals, the foundation is truly making a difference supporting Health Care team members, programs, and facilities.
Tammy Hagyard-Wiebe
Tammy Hagyard-WiebeIERHA Liaison
As a retired nurse practitioner, I know that there are always needs for additional funding to support health care. I am excited be the IERHA board liaison to the IEHF to help impact positive change and the health of Manitobans!
Vanessa Foster
Vanessa FosterArborg
Joining the board was a great opportunity to give back to the community I live in. We all know someone who’s needed care (or needed it ourselves at some point) and anything we can do to support and improve those experiences is undoubtedly worth the time and effort.
Tracey Epp
Tracey EppWinnipeg
I am a partner with Pitblado Law, practicing in the areas of labour and employment law. Much of my career has been spent working in the health care industry. I live in the northeast part of Winnipeg and have relied upon Selkirk for health care. My children spend significant time in Pinawa. I wanted to give back to the region that has offered its services to me and my family.
DJ Sigmundson
DJ SigmundsonGimli
I volunteered to join our Board to help find ways to address the gap between the Provincial funding for health versus the health needs of our residents as identified by our front-line workers and volunteers.
 Chris Saunders
Chris SaundersPinawa
As a member of the board of the IEHF, I am excited to have the opportunity to use this experience to help the entire region maintain and expand our healthcare services.
Jason Machado
Jason MachadoWinnipeg
Jason grew up in St. Andrews Manitoba. He brings sound knowledge and experience with financial reporting and investments, along with the ability to present financial information to stakeholders from all backgrounds.

Get Involved!

Join Our Board

IEHF Board members attend regular quarterly board meetings, AGM, and other board meetings. In addition, board members support the IEHF by sharing their expertise on board sub-committees including: Policy, Governance and Nominating, Marketing and Communications, Investment, Finance and Development, and Granting. IEHF Board Members help shape the organization by providing advice and recommendations to IEHF staff as requested, and attending community events as IEHF representatives, as available.

Go to Top