Dedicated Service: Alison’s Impact at CGMH

For nearly two decades, Alison Sheffer has been a familiar and trusted presence at the CGMH Foundation. Joining in 2007 as an Administrative Assistant, she went on to serve as Manager of Donor Relations, working across Annual Giving, Events, Major Gifts and Finance. Along the way, she has built lasting connections with donors and helped move the Foundation through some of its most significant chapters.

As Alison looks ahead to retirement, we sat down with her to reflect on the journey, the community she loves, and the impact of her 18 years of dedicated work at the Foundation.

You have been with the CGMH Foundation for many years. Do you remember what first drew you to donor relations and to this community?

I was born and raised in Collingwood, and I’ve always loved connecting with people. Working in Donor Relations in a community I care so deeply about just felt natural.

Over the years, what have you learned about why people choose to give?

I’ve learned that people give because they truly care about this community. Many have received exceptional care at CGMH themselves or through a loved one, and they want to give back. They want to help ensure that access to excellent healthcare continues for others.

What are some milestones or campaigns you’re especially proud to have been part of?

There have been so many, but I’m especially proud to have been part of some specifically: the New Age of Care campaign, the Diagnostic Imaging campaign that added two new mammography units to CGMH, the campaign that brought the first MRI machine to our hospital, and most proudly, our current campaign for Tomorrow’s Hospital.

What does Tomorrow’s Hospital mean to you personally?

To me, Tomorrow’s Hospital represents an expanded and much-needed healthcare service that will support the needs of our growing community.

What has made coming to work each day meaningful?

People here don’t just live in South Georgian Bay, they feel connected to it. Whether you are biking, hiking or sailing, there is a shared understanding that when you support local healthcare, you are supporting your neighbours, your friends and your own family.

What has surprised you most in your role at the Foundation?

What continues to surprise me is how often people go above and beyond. Donors are doing much more than just giving. They are sharing their stories, their gratitude and their belief in better healthcare for everyone.

The Foundation has changed significantly over the years. What changes have been the most meaningful to witness?

The Foundation has evolved in many ways, from welcoming new staff and a new CEO to most recently moving our office out of the hospital and into downtown Collingwood. It has been meaningful to see how the organization continues to grow while staying rooted in the community.

What will you miss most about coming into the office each day?

That one is easy. I will miss the colleagues who have become friends, the incredible donors I have been fortunate to get to know, and most recently, the beautiful view of the Collingwood Harbour from our new office.

What are you most looking forward to in retirement?

I’m looking forward to travelling with my husband of forty years and spending more time with my two beautiful granddaughters.

Is there anything you would like to say to the donors, volunteers and colleagues who have been part of your journey?

I want to say thank you. It has been an incredible 18 years, made even more meaningful by such a generous and supportive community.

And one thing most people may not know about you?

I have been a certified personal trainer with CanFitPro for more than 20 years.