Get On Board: Deep River & District Health Foundation Launches New Transportation Campaign to Keep Long-Term Care Residents Connected
The Deep River & District Health Foundation (DRDHF) is proud to celebrate the extraordinary generosity of our community while announcing the launch a new fundraising initiative focused on connection, dignity, and quality of life for residents in the new Four Seasons Lodge Long-Term Care Home
The Deep River & District Health Foundation (DRDHF) is proud to celebrate the extraordinary generosity of our community while announcing the launch a new fundraising initiative focused on connection, dignity, and quality of life for residents in the new Four Seasons Lodge Long-Term Care Home.
Over the past several years, the Foundation has been deeply moved by the compassion shown by donors, volunteers, and community partners. This unwavering support has strengthened care across our local health system, helping residents and families receive the services they need to stay closer to home.
Launched in early 2022, the Closer To Home campaign became the largest fundraising effort in our community’s history. The campaign set out to raise $2.5 million to supplement Ministry of Long-Term Care funding and help furnish and equip the new 96-bed Four Seasons Lodge. In October of 2025, the community proudly surpassed that goal, and donations continue to come in.
“It has been a remarkable experience seeing the momentum this campaign created,” said Christian Kaiser, Chair of the DRDHF Board. “Closer To Home resonated deeply with so many people, and reflected a level of compassion that is both powerful and incredibly motivating.”
Building on this success, the Foundation is now turning its focus to a new fundraising priority that responds to evolving community needs and continues the journey of providing the best possible long-term care experience.
“As we watch our new Four Seasons Lodge come to life,” said Janna Hotson, Deep River & District Health President and CEO, “our priority is the 96 residents who will call it home. Creating a true sense of home means maintaining strong community connections – and that depends on safe, accessible transportation.”
To support this vision, the Foundation is launching a new campaign with the goal of raising $750,000. Funds raised will go toward acquiring a fleet of fully-accessible, wheelchair friendly buses, along with related equipment, and initial operating costs. These new buses will enable residents of the new Four Seasons Lodge to safely attend appointments, participate in community activities, visit familiar places, and maintain vital social connections.
“We know that social connection is essential to the overall health and well-being of those in long-term care,” said Hotson. “Accessible transportation supports the safety and dignity of our residents, while also creating new opportunities to strengthen connections across our broader community in the future.”
Fundraising efforts will continue over the coming months, with opportunities for community members to contribute, participate in events, and learn more about the impact of their support. Every gift, no matter the size, helps move this vision forward.
“We have worked hard to keep our loved ones closer to home” said Kaiser “, now let’s keep them connected to their community.”
