Tell us a little about yourself!

My name is Shelly and I am the Senior Coordinator, Major Gifts at Humber River Hospital Foundation. I started at Humber in 2018 when I did my internship in Major Gifts and then I moved to London, England to start my career! I am now back in Toronto and am so excited to have joined the team again.

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

Fundraising involves supporting generous donors who have been impacted by the Hospital and want to make a difference in their community. I work as a supporter for my team to make sure that these donors have all the support and information they need to make their vision a reality.

“I think that the most interesting way technology is being used at Humber is through the Command Centre, Humber River Hospital’s data-driven “mission control”,” says Shelly.

Is there a Program of Care that you are particularly passionate about?

The Program of Care I am most passionate about is the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Program. The pandemic has made it even harder for young people with pre-existing health conditions and so it’s crucial to provide young people with the tools and support to help them feel empowered.

In your opinion, what are the most interesting ways technology is being used at Humber?

I think that the most interesting way technology is being used at Humber is through the Command Centre, Humber River Hospital’s data-driven “mission control”. When I first started at Humber in 2018 I remember seeing the Command Centre and just being blown away by it. Now that I’ve returned it’s incredible to see how Humber is planning on using the Command Centre to better monitor patients at home so that they can recover safely and comfortably in the comfort of their own home.

Do you have a favourite fundraising project? 

“Our Gifts of Gratitude program is such a beautiful way to show a frontline staff member that you appreciate the hard work they do,” says Shelly. “Now more than ever I feel like it’s so important to show Hospital workers that they are heroes.”

I think our Gifts of Gratitude program is such a beautiful way to show a frontline staff member that you appreciate the hard work they do. Now more than ever I feel like it’s so important to show Hospital workers that they are heroes, they have chosen a field that protects their community and they are doing just that during these very challenging times.

What do you love to do outside of work?

I was brought up having a real love for food. My mom would always make meals that serve 20 people for only five of us, and I would say that I’ve inherited that. Cooking and experimenting with different types of food is so much fun – I keep telling myself I will get around to making bread but I haven’t jumped on that bandwagon yet.

What inspires you?

During these challenging times there is so much that I am inspired by. From our frontline staff that come in every day to do life-saving work, to parents that are at home with their kids trying to complete a day’s work while also entertaining their kids. I am also constantly inspired by my parents and how they manage to stay positive during everything!