Since this interview was published, Sheila has found a new career. We wish her all the best and hope you enjoy her interview!

Tell us a little about yourself!

My name is Sheila, I am the Manager of Donor Relations and Annual Giving at Humber River Hospital Foundation and I’ve worked here for a year and a half.

In one sentence, how would you explain your job to a friend?

I make sure that people who donate to this amazing cause, feel amazing in return for their generosity.

Is there a Program of Care you have a personal connection to?

A birthing suite at Humber River Hospital.

Absolutely. Having a young son, the Maternal Child program is often on my mind. When I gave birth to Thomas (at a different hospital) there was no private room available so whenever I’m on the fourth floor and see the spacious rooms with beautiful views, I‘m amazed by how well the people that planned and built this place understood patient needs. I love seeing new parents leave with their little babes in car seats too. Every day I come to work I’m reminded of the miracles that happen in this building and new little babies are just one example.

What are the three most interesting pieces of technology at Humber?

I love the STERIS RealView system. I live in a different city from the rest of my family so to know that we have the capability to keep loved ones who live far away as up to date as people who are here in the building warms my heart.

The pharmacy is so cool! The PillPick that completely automates medication dispensing is like a robot out of the Jetson’s cartoon. The future is here and it’s really amazing to see in person as well as to be part of team that helps fund these things.

I think the IBTs (integrated bedside terminals) at each patient’s bedside are amazing too. There are so many incredible technologies here but nothing touches as many patients in such a day-to-day way as this convenient terminal that allows you Skype family members, watch TV, dim the lights, order your food and just be as normal as possible while outside of your home.

Do you have a favourite project?

The Digital Donor Recognition wall is the first of its kind in a GTA Hospital.

Absolutely! I’m incredibly proud of our digital donor wall which was one of my main projects the first year I started working here. It was a collaboration between many of my colleagues and I along with a great external partner who made the job very creative and fun. It took a long time to complete but I’m so satisfied every morning I walk by the wall because it so beautifully acknowledges the immense impact our donors have on the healthcare provided in this building.

What is one awesome thing you’ve done in the last year? 

In May I traveled with my husband and son to the Arctic to visit family. It turned out to be the most magnificently stunning place I’ve ever been. The sun was shining 24/7, temperatures were around -25 and I have never been more blown away by the natural beauty and untouched, vast white scenery everywhere you looked. The family members we were visiting toured us around the turquoise arctic sea ice formations, through mountain ranges without a soul in sight or sound to hear for miles. They built a secluded cabin on an island by the Arctic Sea where we stayed for a few days completely removed from technology or any modern luxuries. For drinking water we chopped and melted ice from the lake behind their cabin and tap water has never tasted the same since! Tobogganing, seal watching, ski-doo riding and sun-filled midnight hikes were all highlights that I will never forget.

What inspires you?

People I love. My husband and little boy in particular but coming to work every day I have to say I am consistently inspired by my colleagues. HRH Foundation is by far the best place I’ve ever worked and it has everything to do with the people around me inspiring me to be better at what I do every single day.