Annual Report Stories

York Hills Centre for Children, Youth, and Families and Southlake Health announced a new partnership aimed at strengthening mental health outcomes for Black communities across York Region and southern Simcoe County. The collaboration will expand the Kuumba program, adding a new crisis worker to support Black-identifying children, youth, and families and deliver culturally responsive services. Launched in 2020 by York Hills, the Kuumba program is a culturally grounded therape

Southlake Health celebrated four physicians who were recognized with prestigious provincial honours, reflecting the organization’s commitment to innovation, leadership, and patient-centred care. Among those recognized was Alisha Kassam, whose Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology Program received the Visionary Award from the Pediatric Oncology Group of Ontario (POGO) for advancing equitable, age-appropriate cancer care. Through innovative programming and a focus on the u

Southlake Health’s commitment to people, culture, and exceptional care was recognized nationally and internationally over the past year through several prestigious honours. In 2025, Southlake was named one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures by Waterstone Human Capital, recognizing organizations that foster high-performing, people-focused workplace cultures. Southlake was also recognized as one of the Greater Toronto Area’s Top Employers for 2026, highlighting its on

Southlake reflects on some of the people whose transformed a small community hospital into a regional leader As Southlake Health celebrated 100 years of leading edge care, its story, above all, is a story of pride for people whose compassion, dedication, and innovation have shaped a small community hospital into a leader of healthcare excellence. In partnership with the community publication, Newmarket Today, Southlake Health highlighted physician, staff, volunteer, and pati

We are grateful to our community for going the distance for Southlake Health at our 2025 Nature’s Emporium Run for Southlake! Contributions from our donors, sponsors (including Magna International), and volunteers were key to making this year’s event the most successful ever, with a record number of participants, teams, and dollars raised. More than 1,660 runners and walkers from 123 teams helped us raise over $460,000 — our best fundraising result in the event’s 23-year hist

In partnership with POGO, Southlake Health’s paediatric oncology clinic brings expert, compassionate cancer care closer to home. During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September, Southlake was honoured to welcome Premier Doug Ford, Minister Sylvia Jones, Minister Stephen Lecce, and MPP Dawn Gallagher-Murphy to see firsthand the impact of having paediatric cancer care, close to home. When a child needs cancer care, having access to care closer to home is critical. Since

Southlake Health is strengthening its cardiac program through word-class recruitment. Southlake Health was proud to welcome two extraordinary leaders to its Department of Cardiac Health – a regional program known for providing life-saving care to patients from York Region to Muskoka. These appointments reflect Southlake’s ongoing commitment to innovation, excellence, and its greatest strength: its people. Christopher Overgaard, MD Appointed Chief, Department of Cardiac Heal

“My heart was beating so fast I thought it would burst right out of my chest.” 73-year-old Marg May never thought she would be facing heart failure. She had always been active, spending her days gardening and playing with her grandchildren. Thankfully, Southlake was there when she needed us the most. After feeling exhausted for weeks, Marg’s symptoms suddenly escalated. When she couldn’t catch her breath, she decided to see her doctor. He sent her straight to Southlake’s Emer

Archie Verspeeten was committed to helping other families access the healthcare services they needed, and he did so through considerable philanthropy during his lifetime. His son Dennis reflected on his father’s generosity. “My dad was a humble person. He’d be embarrassed when people thanked him for his help,” Dennis shares. “He just never wanted any family to go through what he went through. It affected him so much. His biggest worry was losing someone else he loved. He hope

Southlake Health Foundation’s Heroes of Southlake Program offers a meaningful way for patients and families to express their gratitude to a staff member or team that went above and beyond to provide the best possible care and patient experience by donating in their honour. Max Schewizer and his partner, Sandra Boldy, made a Heroes of Southlake gift to the HERE is Where Cancer Meets its Match Campaign. Max is a grateful patient of Dr. Arnell Baguio and was inspired to make a g