Tina Jones, C.M., O.M., Chair of the HSC Foundation Board, has been instrumental in raising close to $200 million and driving groundbreaking advancements at Winnipeg’s Health Science Centre
Tina Jones, C.M., O.M., at the 2022 launch of Operation Excellence, the HSC Foundation’s community campaign for surgical innovation at HSC.
On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the incredible women whose leadership and vision ignite lasting change. Our shining example is Tina Jones, C.M., O.M., Chair of the Health Sciences Centre Foundation Board. For a decade, she has devoted herself to guiding the organization to new heights.
Through the generosity of its donors, the HSC Foundation funds critical advancements in technology, research, and infrastructure at HSC. Over the course of Jones’ tenure as Chair, the Foundation has raised an impressive $193 million, creating a profound impact on the health care landscape in Manitoba and beyond.
“Philanthropy drives innovation. Our donors believe in what we are trying to do, and that belief fuels the momentum that allows us to deliver results. Governments alone can’t do it all. We need philanthropy to move things forward, and I am so honoured to be part of it,” says Jones.
Jones is a proud Manitoban, and founder of Jones & Company Wine Merchants, Winnipeg’s largest private wine retailer. She and her husband, Mike, have two adult children, Adam and Julia.
Jones joined the HSC Foundation Board in 2013 and became Chair in 2015. “At first, I was hesitant to commit my time. I was busy with my own business, and my kids were young. But once I became engaged, I realized how worthy the work is. The HSC Foundation changes thousands of people’s lives every day.”
Under her leadership, the Foundation has funded several initiatives that have greatly improved patient care and modernized facilities at HSC. Notable projects include the Transplant Wellness Centre, the Paul Albrechtsen Interventional Radiology Suites, the redeveloped RR4 Plastic Surgery Trauma Clinic, the establishment of Unit B5B to improve Epilepsy and Neurosurgery Care and the Wilf Taillieu Thoracic Surgery Clinic and Endoscopy Unit.
Pictured at a special ceremony marking the opening of the Wilf Taillieu Thoracic Surgery Clinic and Endoscopy Unit in 2019 (L-R): Jonathon Lyon, President & CEO, HSC Foundation; Hon. Cameron Friesen, former Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living; Mavis Taillieu, Director, HSC Foundation; Matix & Liam, Taillieu’s grandchildren; Tina Jones, C.M., O.M., Board Chair, HSC Foundation; Hon. Brian Pallister, former Premier of Manitoba; Blaine Hadaller, one of the first patients treated in the Wilf Taillieu Thoracic Surgery Clinic and Endoscopy Unit; Ronan Segrave, former COO, HSC Winnipeg; Dr. Larry Tan, former Head of Thoracic Surgery, HSC Winnipeg.
Unveiling of the redeveloped $1.8M donor-funded plastic surgery clinic at HSC Winnipeg with a first-of-its-kind procedure room in Canada in 2023 (L-R): Tina Jones, C.M., O.M., Chair, HSC Foundation; Dr. Ed Buchel, Surgery Site Director, HSC Winnipeg; Kristin Coulthard, former plastic surgery clinic patient; Jonathon Lyon, President and Chief Executive Officer, HSC Foundation.
Pictured at the opening of Unit B5B in 2024, a step-down unit for neurosurgery patients (L-R): Tina Jones, C.M., O.M., Board Chair, HSC Foundation; Dr. Manon Pelletier, Chief Medical Officer, HSC; Jonathon Lyon, President and Chief Executive Officer, HSC Foundation; Tom Trottier, HSC Winnipeg patient; Pat Trottier, Tom Trottier’s mom, B5B campaign supporter, and Board member, Epilepsy and Seizure Association of Manitoba; and the Honourable Uzoma Asagwara, Deputy Premier of Manitoba and Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-term Care.
“We aren’t just asking for donations…we are asking people to believe in the work we are doing, and they have,” says Jones. “The work is just so important. Every time we make a big effort and see the results, we know we can’t stop now. It is the change we are making—transforming health care—that keeps us going.”
Jones’s remarkable success in both business and philanthropy has garnered well-deserved recognition. In June 2024, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada, one of the highest honours in the country. Previous recognitions include being named to the Order of Manitoba in 2020, and as one of the Nellie McClung Manitoba 150 Women Trailblazers in 2021.
Her philanthropic contributions were also acknowledged by the Manitoba Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, which named her Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year in 2017. Jones received the University of Manitoba Distinguished Alumni Award in 2018 and was also recognized that same year by the Women’s Executive Network (WXN) as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women, in the Trailblazers and Trendsetters category.
As a leader, Jones excels in bringing people together around a shared vision. As a philanthropist, she embodies passion and purpose. In June 2025, Jones will step away from her role as Chair of the HSC Foundation Board, leaving an indelible impact.
The HSC Foundation staff and Board members at a summer gathering.
“We are all leaders in our own way, and we can all do great things. You just have to find something you love, something that motivates you, and great things happen,” she says. “It’s about making good choices about your time, being engaged, and never forgetting to have a little fun along the way.”
On International Women’s Day, we honor Tina Jones and all the women who lead with purpose, passion, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. Through their efforts, they are changing lives, inspiring future leaders, and leaving a legacy for generations to come.
To make a donation to the HSC Foundation in Tina Jones’s honour, please visit our donation page or call the Foundation at 204-515-5612 or 1-800-679-8493 (toll-free).
