Many Supporters. Many Ways To Give.
One Shared Purpose.
The IWK community is where bold ideas become real impact—where hope grows, healing happens, and lives are changed through the generosity of supporters across the Maritimes. Every gift, whether raised through a community fundraiser, monthly donations, or transformational investments, helps fuel exceptional care and brighter futures.
We asked some of our incredible supporters what inspires them to support the IWK. Here’s what they shared:
“Two years ago, our grandson required emergency care. He and his parents had such a positive experience, which emphasized the value of supporting the IWK. Based on advice from our financial advisor, we chose to make our annual donation using securities. It is a very tax-efficient way of giving back.” — Kim and Derek Zwicker | Quispamsis, NB
“Our wagon ride fundraiser for the IWK is in memory of Naomie, who passed peacefully at 3-months-old in the arms of her loving parents, Anyssa and Connor, at the IWK. During her short time on earth, Naomie gave us a lifetime of love. She touched many lives and was loved so deeply by family and friends.” — Naomie's Sleigh Angels | Stratford, PEI
“The IWK NICU saved our daughter’s life when she was born. To show our eternal gratitude, our family will continue to be active supporters of this incredible institution and its amazing staff. To have such an impressive establishment here is something Atlantic Canadians should be immensely proud of.” — Claire Halstead and Kyle Hartlen | Halifax, NS
“We started House of Doom after Canon’s final cancer treatment to combine his love for Halloween with our gratitude for the IWK. It’s been empowering to flip a scary diagnosis into a fundraiser that brings our community together with screams and laughs. It’s amazing to witness what’s possible when people use their resources for good.” — Shelly, Canon’s mom | House of Doom, Dartmouth, NS
Tanya has spent more than 27 years working at the IWK and has seen firsthand the difference donor support makes for patients, families, and staff. Philip was inspired to become involved after attending an IWK Telethon event and witnessing the Foundation’s impact in our community. “Together, we are proud to make the IWK Foundation part of our annual giving and to support the exceptional care, research, and programs that help children, women, youth, and families across the Maritimes.” — Tanya and Philip Myles | Halifax, NS
“Volunteering is a meaningful way to channel my experiences with grief into something positive. Supporting an organization that brings hope, healing, and comfort to so many is incredibly rewarding. I believe meaningful change happens when a community comes together. I’m proud to be part of the community supporting the IWK.” — Aneesa Hussain | Halifax, NS
“Being a monthly donor for the past 20 years is my way of showing appreciation for the outstanding care the IWK provided my sister in the 1970s, and my daughter and nephew three decades later. We are grateful to the IWK for its team of exceptional healthcare professionals, compassionate care for children, and the commitment to advancing women’s health.” — Charlotte Campbell McCardle | Charlottetown, PEI
Steele Auto Group mobilized employees across their Maritime dealerships to support the IWK Foundation. In its first year, the Driven to Give campaign sparked strong participation company-wide, bringing teams together through creative, locally driven fundraising efforts. “When businesses empower their people to give back, the impact can transform communities.” — Kim Day, President & COO, Steele Auto Group | Maritime-wide
A Legacy from the Heart
On February 26, 1989, Meredith Greene was a bit surprised when her daughter, Margaret “Maggie” Nugent, arrived a few weeks before her due date. Meredith would soon be shocked to learn that her beautiful baby had been born with serious congenital heart disease.
Just ten hours after her early arrival, Maggie was flown by helicopter from Saint John, New Brunswick, to the IWK in Halifax. Just ten days after that, she would undergo open-heart surgery.
“The sight of our daughter with tubes and wires all over her tiny body was almost too much to bear,” says Meredith. “It was a hard initiation to parenting, and a very trying time for family and friends waiting at home. Many prayers were said.”
Thanks to her dedicated care team and lots of love from her family, Maggie pulled through that first surgery. She would go on to have several more heart procedures at the IWK and would receive a total of five pacemakers.
Despite her health challenges, Maggie always had a zest for life and was fortunate to travel and enjoy many adventures—from skiing and swimming, to seaweed fishing along the beach at Acamac where she spent her summers.
Sadly, Maggie died suddenly in February 2001, at just 11-years-old. She had been laughing and playing in the snow with friends at the time.
“Maggie loved life and she got more out of her short time here than most people do in a lifetime,” says Meredith. “I want to paint a picture of who Maggie was—she was a beautiful soul, very brave, thoughtful, and full of life and fun. She had a wonderful laugh and sense of humour. She was surrounded by family who adored her and had many close friends. She was just a joy to everyone.”
Meredith has been a long-time supporter of the IWK but wanted to do something special to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Maggie’s passing. Having experienced firsthand the stress and strain of needing to travel, stay in hotels, and take time off work to care for a sick child, Meredith really wanted to assist families who would appreciate the financial help. She also wanted to give back to the place that she feels has given her so much. In Maggie’s memory, Meredith decided to leave a legacy gift to the IWK in her Will.
“I would not have had 11 wonderful years with Maggie had it not been for the IWK and its talented doctors, nurses, and staff, who looked after us so diligently,” Meredith says, adding that Maggie always wanted to help others in need.
“I know in my heart Maggie would think a legacy gift was a wonderful remembrance because the IWK helps so many Maritime families.”