Record funds raised for Manitoba’s hospital under Jones’s leadership
Compassionate. Dedicated. Philanthropic. Tina Jones, C.M., O.M., is all of these. As a Manitoban, she has a deep-rooted love of community, propelling her to better the lives of all Manitobans. By giving generously of her time and resources—and through her leadership skills and inspirational vision—she helps to deliver the best health care for all Manitobans.
Under Jones’s Board leadership, the Health Sciences Centre Foundation has raised record funds in support of Manitoba’s hospital, HSC Winnipeg. Jones joined the HSC Foundation Board in 2013 and became the Chair in 2015. During Jones’s tenure, the Foundation has seen significant revenue growth, increasing from $6.6 million in 2012/13 to a record $17.56 million in 2018/19. This is no coincidence. Her innate ability to engage and involve people, along with her enthusiasm and commitment, are critical in the Foundation’s efforts to both attract new donors and retain existing ones.
Signing a window frame in the Diagnostic Centre of Excellence on December 12, 2018. L-R: Dr. Perry Gray (Provincial Lead, Medical Specialist Services & CMO, Shared Health); Ronan Segrave (COO, HSC); Hon. Cameron Friesen (Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living); Hon. Brian Pallister (Premier of Manitoba); Tina Jones (Board Chair, HSC Foundation); the late Paul Albrechtsen (lead donor); Jonathon Lyon (President & CEO, HSC Foundation).
Jones leads by example and inspires dedication and leadership from staff and her fellow Board members. Her passion and enthusiasm have inspired 100% of the HSC Foundation Board to commit their own financial gifts as well as their time to the Foundation. She is confident and bold in setting goals and brings her contagious enthusiasm to every Board meeting, and authentic joy to each donor interaction.
Inspired by her late father, Pierluigi (Louie) Tolaini—who immigrated from Italy and built (from a single truck) the largest privately held transport company in Canada—Jones learned early in life that success is built upon vision, hard work, building great teams, and continually reaching for excellence.
As a fundraising leader on the Board, Jones has been instrumental in helping reach significant fundraising goals so HSC can deliver the best care possible. In just the past two years, the HSC Foundation has raised $4.775 million for the Wilf Taillieu Thoracic Surgery Clinic and Endoscopy Unit and a Plastic Surgery Clinic redevelopment. Jones led efforts to raise $25 million for the Centre for Surgical Innovation which opened in 2013. This state-of-the-art suite was the first of its kind in Canada. One of the Foundation’s current high-priority initiatives is to raise $8.2 million to develop the much-needed Manitoba Urologic Centre. Jones has challenged herself and those involved to complete the fundraising for this project, which is now halfway towards the goal.
“Right before my eyes, I am seeing medical research flourish. I see cutting-edge medical equipment installed and saving lives. I see our donors stepping up to make a difference in our ever-changing health care system,” says Jones. “Working with the Foundation is a privilege and I take great pride in the fact that my colleagues and I are making a difference.”
Wilf Taillieu Thoracic Surgery Clinic and Endoscopy Unit opening on November 5, 2019. L-R: Mavis Taillieu (Director, HSC Foundation); Dr. Larry Tan (Head of Thoracic Surgery, HSC Winnipeg); Tina Jones (Board Chair, HSC Foundation).
The impact of her efforts reaps many benefits. HSC can recruit and retain leading health care practitioners in large part because of the advanced technology, equipment, and facilities funded by the HSC Foundation. These practitioners bring with them best practices from around the world, leading to better and more timely care for patients. Scientists are also conducting promising research at HSC which could lead to groundbreaking medical breakthroughs. Jones continues to work with Foundation staff and hospital leadership to identify the most pressing health care needs, then works tirelessly to make the vision a reality.
“What makes Tina so effective as our Board chair is her passion for excellence in health care and her willingness to roll up her sleeves and do the heavy lifting,” says Jonathon Lyon, HSC Foundation President & Chief Executive Officer. “We have experienced remarkable success under Tina’s leadership. She knows how to motivate our staff, our donors, and her fellow volunteers.”
Jones’s commitment, inspiration, and impact were recognized in 2017 when she received the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Manitoba Chapter. In 2018, she was presented with a Distinguished Alumni Award by the University of Manitoba and later that same year, Jones was recognized by the Women’s Executive Network as one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in Canada. Additionally, Jones was named a recipient of one of Volunteer Manitoba’s 2020 “Lieutenant Governor’s Make a Difference Community Awards”. The award recognizes her tireless efforts on behalf of the HSC Foundation and many other organizations, including St.Amant, FortWhyte Alive, Jocelyn House Hospice, the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, the Winnipeg Art Gallery, CancerCare Manitoba, and the Habitat for Humanity – Women Build Program. Jones, who was nominated by the HSC Foundation, will be honoured at the rescheduled Annual Volunteer Awards in November.
Tina Jones receiving the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award from the Association of Fundraising Professionals Manitoba Chapter from the Honourable Janice C. Filmon on November 15, 2017.
In Jones’s own words: “True success in your business or other pursuits is only possible when you are using some of your energy to help others.” We couldn’t agree more. Thank you, Tina Jones, for all that you have done—and continue to do—for health care in Manitoba. Happy fifth anniversary!
