Health Care Foundation

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Health Care Foundation?

The Health Care Foundation (HCF) is the official fundraising organization for the adult hospitals and health care facilities in the greater St. John's region. HCF was established in 2002 following the amalgamation of the General Hospital Health Foundation, St. Clare's Mercy Hospital Foundation and the Waterford Foundation.

2. What does the Health Care Foundation Support?

Our mandate is to raise money to purchase vital medical equipment and technology, fund patient comfort items, and to fund health research and education. We support:

General Hospital (Health Sciences Centre)
St. Clare's Mercy Hospital
Waterford Hospital
Dr. Leonard A. Miller Centre
Dr. Walter Templeman Health Centre (Bell Island)

3. Where is the HCF located?

The Health Care Foundation is located at 190 LeMarchant Road, St. John's, two doors west of St. Clare's Mercy Hospital. We may be reached by telephone: (709) 777.5901 or toll-free: 1.877.737.0228; or by email: hcf@healthcarefoundation.ca

4. Why does the HCF raise money for our hospitals, shouldn't Government pay for this?

While the provincial government reimburses hospitals for their services to patients and covers much of the operating costs, funding is limited for equipment acquisition and upgrades. Over the next five years, the hospitals in St. John's will require more than 90 million in funding for medical equipment and technology. This is not a wish list of equipment, rather it represents existing equipment that will have reached the end of its expected lifespan within five years. Government funding will not be enough to cover the cost so our hospitals depend on the funds they receive from the Health Care Foundation to help bridge the gap in funding.

5. Does the HCF participate in door-to-door or telephone canvassing?

No. The HCF does not go door-to-door canvassing for funds, nor do we solicit by telephone. If an individual comes to your door, or telephones you, claiming to raise funds on our behalf, it is fraud. Please notify us and the authorities as soon as possible. The types of donor contact you will see from us include mail appeals, lottery ticket sales, and special event invites.

6. Will I receive a tax receipt for my donation?

Yes. All donations to the Health Care Foundation of $10 or more will receive an official tax receipt. If you have any questions regarding your donation receipt, please call us at (709) 777.5901.