Community Letter
Bonnie Van Dalfsen
Dear Bonnie,
Over the many years I’ve had the privilege of working at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Foundation, I’ve met countless generous people. Very few, however, have shown the kind of steadfast commitment that you have.
For 32 consecutive years, you have supported the Royal Alexandra Hospital through your monthly giving. What strikes me most is that for nearly all of that time, you chose to leave your gifts undesignated, trusting us to direct them where they were needed most. That kind of confidence is never taken for granted, as it reflects a deep belief in the work being done here and an extraordinary level of trust in the people carrying it out.
I also smile when I think about how your giving journey began. A phone call. Four young children at home. A request for a monthly gift that seemed impossible at the time. Yet somehow, a conversation about six dollars a month became a commitment that has spanned more than three decades and helped countless patients and families along the way.
It’s a wonderful reminder that lasting impact often begins with a simple act of saying yes.
One thing I admire most is that your generosity comes from a place of gratitude. During our conversations, you often return to how fortunate you feel. Whether you are spending time with Wally, volunteering alongside him at the Cross Cancer Institute, enjoying weekends at the cabin, travelling to new places, or celebrating the accomplishments of your children and grandchildren, you approach life with positivity and appreciation.
That spirit is also reflected in your decision to include our foundation in your estate plans. Learning of your bequest was deeply meaningful to all of us. Few families have such deep and enduring ties to the Royal Alex as yours, from the many physicians in your family who have dedicated their careers to caring for patients here, to the seven grandchildren welcomed into the world within these walls, and the exceptional care your loved ones received during both joyful and difficult moments.
Clearly, the hospital has been woven through your family’s story for generations.
With Gratitude,
Director of Planned Giving (and former CEO)