Aspire Newsletter
Today’s Stories, Tomorrow’s Care.
WINTER 2026
The Aspire newsletter provides an inside look at the impact of generosity on health care in the Southern Interior of BC. From patient stories to new equipment and so much more, get the update in Aspire.
Where It Matters Most
As the final part of the Closer to Home Than You Think campaign, we are aiming to raise $2.5 million to support the KGH Emergency Department.
Meet the New Head of Pediatrics
Meet Dr. Jeff Wong, who was drawn to Kelowna to make a difference as Kelowna General Hospital’s new head of Pediatrics.
Vinni Makes History
On November 13, 2025, history was made at KGH when Dr. Dimitrios Coutsinos performed BC’s first ever robotic thoracic surgery using Vinni.
Re-writing the story
Thoracic surgeon, Dr. Dimitrios Coutsinos, reflects on innovation, pivotal career moments, and what it means to aspire in health care today.
Remembering Rutland Thrift
This past December, Rutland Thrift closed its doors. For more than 60 years, it served as a central hub in one of Kelowna’s neighbourhoods.
Dreaming Big Doesn’t Mean Your Head is in the Clouds
In this issue, you will learn more about the new look and feel of our newsletter and what Aspire means to the Foundation and its future.
Use it or Lose it!
When it comes to physical literacy, most of us think we understand it until we stop and really consider what it looks like in everyday life.
Grinches, Elves, Cozy Girls – oh my!
After two years of JoeAnna’s House Winter Wonderland, the time came to reimagine the event as the Winter Wonderland Wish List.
Anida’s Gift
Guided by a shared desire to turn loss into lasting good, Andia and Mark Johnson knew they wanted to create meaningful change at KGH.
From Three Floats to a Six-Figure Impact
Thirty-six floats filled Bernard Ave for 2025’s Parade with a Purpose, resulting in over $170,000 raised for mental health care.
MORE STORIES
ALL ABOUT IMPACT
Why Get Our Newsletters?
The Aspire newsletter provides an inside look at the impact of generosity on health care in the Southern Interior of BC. From patient stories to new equipment and so much more, get the update in Aspire.