The Huntsville Hospital Foundation (HHF) has reached a major milestone for the future of local healthcare.
One year after launching the Raise Muskoka campaign, the foundation announced it has raised more than $53 million toward its $70 million fundraising goal. Officials say the funds will help support the construction of a new Huntsville hospital, along with new equipment and technology to provide exceptional patient care for many years to come.
The announcement was made June 11 at Bigwin Island Golf Club, the same location where the campaign officially launched one year ago. The event brought together elected officials, foundation board members, campaign ambassadors, Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) leadership, physicians, staff, donors, and volunteers.
Raise Muskoka is a community-driven fundraising campaign led jointly by the Huntsville Hospital Foundation and the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation. Officials said the initiative supports plans for two new hospitals connected through one integrated healthcare system serving residents across Muskoka.
“One healthcare system, two new hospitals, and one phenomenal future,” said HHF CEO Katherine Craine. “Together, we have created one of the most significant community fundraising moments in Muskoka’s history.”
Foundation officials also announced the future Huntsville hospital will be named in honour of Bob Hutcheson, recognizing his decades of community leadership and commitment to local healthcare fundraising.
“I have always believed in the people of Muskoka, and this campaign is proof of what can happen when a community comes together behind something that matters,” said Hutcheson. “While this milestone is worth celebrating, what excites me the most is what it will mean for future generations.”
The foundation also revealed that a $17.5 million matching challenge, launched in September 2025 by the Cockwell and Hutcheson families, has been fully matched by community donors, unlocking a total of $35 million in support for local healthcare projects.
Craine said the campaign’s success has been driven by many contributions throughout the community, including donations from residents, businesses, fundraising events, legacy gifts, and even a child donating birthday money.
“This milestone belongs to our donors,” said Craine. “It belongs to the child who donated their birthday money. It belongs to every family who made a gift, every volunteer, every business owner and every grateful patient.”
MAHC President and CEO Cheryl Harrison also expressed her gratitude towards the community’s commitment to improving local healthcare.
“The community in Muskoka is just amazing,” Harrison said. “I think the power of community and wanting high-quality healthcare has motivated this whole campaign. I’m so honoured, but I’m not surprised because this community rises all the time.”
HHF also launched Cottage Cares, a new initiative encouraging lakefront property owners to make a five-year commitment to support Raise Muskoka.
The foundation said they continue to work toward the $70 million goal and encourage everyone in the community to get involved.
For more information, visit huntsvillehospitalfoundation.ca.
