​Hawthornes donate $1-million to Kincardine Hospital capital campaign

Duncan and Lesley Hawthorne of the United Kingdom (U.K.), spend part of their year in the Kincardine area, and feel that they are part of this community.

For that reason, they have donated $1-million to the Kincardine Hospital capital campaign.

They made the presentation at one of their favourite times in Kincardine, the Canada Day celebration, Monday afternoon, in Macpherson Park.

Former president and chief executive officer of Bruce Power, Duncan and his wife, Lesley, returned to the U.K. in 2016, but love returning to Kincardine every year.

“We were sad to leave this community, even though you really never leave it,” said Duncan. “In the U.K., we’re having an election in three days, and the debate is all about what people don’t have.

“Here, the community helps itself. If you need something, people do everything they can to help. We were aware of the fund-raising being done for the capital campaign, so we are donating this money to the Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation for the Kincardine Hospital.

“The $18-million you have to raise is a big ask but we have no doubt that you’ll get there. This community will help you get there.”

A banner was then unfurled, stating “Welcome to the Hawthorne Emergency Department.”

“We are extremely touched by this gift,” said hospital foundation president Becky Fair. “It will make such a difference in health care services, and provide a state-of-the-art medical facility in the Kincardine area. Thank you, Duncan and Lesley, we are overwhelmed by your generous contribution.”

The capital campaign, “Building Health Care for Generations,” is working to raise the local contribution of $18-million to fund the expansion and renovation of the Kincardine Hospital, with the provincial government funding the remainder. The $79-million project has moved into Stage 3 approvals, and will more than double the footprint of the emergency room, medical imaging unit (including the CT and new MRI machine) and laboratory space.

To recognize the Hawthornes’ significant donation, the renovated Emergency Department will be named in their honour.



Duncan (left) and Lesley Hawthorne are joined by their granddaughter, Hannah Burnett, 13, in announcing the $1-million donation to the Kincardine Hospital capital campaign, at Canada Day in Kincardine, Monday afternoon

Duncan and Lesley are well-known in the Kincardine area for their ongoing support of local health care. The Hawthorne Community Clinic is a hub for family health care, and their continued support of the Huron Shores Hospice has brought peace to the final days of many area families.

The foundation has gathered a team of volunteers, led by co-chairpersons Kathryn Freimanis and Graham Mahood, and including current and retired health-care workers, business people, and interested community members. These ambassadors are reaching out to families, community groups and businesses to successfully complete the “Building Health Care for Generations” campaign.

Community members who would like more information about supporting the campaign, can contact Mark Womack, capital campaign manager, at 519-396-3331, Ext. 4335 or kfcapitalcampaign@outlook.com.



Unfurling the banner, announcing the Hawthorne Emergency Department at the Kincardine Hospital, are Brad Kirkconnell (left), Brenda Colquhoun of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band, Lesley Hawthorne, Hannah Burnett, Peggy Farrell of the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band, Duncan Hawthorne, and Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation president Becky Fair



Members of the Kincardine and Community Health Care Foundation (in blue shirts) stand with Duncan and Lesley Hawthorne and their family (in red and white), and Brad Kirkconnell (centre, in cowboy hat), with the banner, announcing the Hawthorne Emergency Department at the Kincardine Hospital; photo courtesy of the hospital foundation