Inaugural Steps for Care raises more than $88,000 for the future of Bowmanville Hospital
BOWMANVILLE, ON – October 1, 2026 – More than 300 participants and volunteers came together on Sunday for the inaugural Steps for Care, presented by Ontario Power Generation, which exceeded its participation goal and raised more than $88,000 toward the redevelopment of Lakeridge Health Bowmanville Hospital.
The community walk, held along the Darlington Waterfront Trail, exceeded the Bowmanville Hospital Foundation’s fundraising goal of $50,000 by more than 75 per cent. Peer-to-peer donations have surpassed $63,000, including a generous matching contribution of $12,500 from TD in early September, with additional funds raised through the generosity of event sponsors. Donations will continue to be accepted until October 31 at StepsForCare.ca.
“We are so grateful to everyone who came out and made our first Steps for Care such a special day,” said Maria Petri, CEO of the Bowmanville Hospital Foundation. “From those who raised funds and walked with us, to our volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who helped spread the word, this event truly showed what is possible when our community comes together. Raising over $88,000 for the future of Bowmanville Hospital is an incredible achievement, and we couldn’t have done it without this community.”
The inaugural event was held during the Bowmanville Hospital Foundation’s 50th anniversary year, marking five decades of community support for local health care. The Foundation’s We Care, We Can campaign is supporting the redevelopment of Bowmanville Hospital, which will double the size of the existing hospital and introduce expanded services and modern, patient-centred spaces.
“Fifty years ago, this community came together with a shared belief in the importance of exceptional care close to home, and that spirit is just as strong today,” said Lindsay Hamilton, Board Chair, Bowmanville Hospital Foundation. “Steps for Care brought families, friends, hospital team members, volunteers, sponsors, and community members together around a common goal. It was a wonderful way to celebrate our 50-year legacy while looking ahead to the future of health care in Clarington.”
Participants also had the opportunity to celebrate together after the 5K, with activities in the TD Family Fun Zone, inflatables, a complimentary BBQ lunch and ice cream.
The Foundation extends its sincere thanks to all participants, volunteers, sponsors, community champions and event partners who helped make the first-ever Steps for Care a resounding success.
Donations to Steps for Care will be accepted until October 31 at StepsForCare.ca.
About the Bowmanville Hospital Foundation & Redevelopment Project
Bowmanville Hospital Foundation is a charitable organization that has been proudly serving the Clarington community for 50 years, raising funds to support equipment needs, facility enhancements, and other high-priority initiatives at the Bowmanville Hospital. For more information, please visit WeCareWeCan.ca.
As one of the fastest growing regions in Ontario, Durham Region’s population is expected to double by 2041. To ensure our integrated, regional health system can continue to meet the rapidly growing demands of our community, the Bowmanville Hospital will undergo a once-in-a-generation rebuild, nearly doubling its current size. Once complete, the Bowmanville Hospital will usher in a new era of health care delivery in Durham Region with features including new ambulatory care clinics, a Haemodialysis Centre, Level 3 Critical Care capacity, and a rooftop helipad to support rapid access to emergency services.
Marking its 50th anniversary, the Bowmanville Hospital Foundation honours the community of giving that has shaped local care and is building on this legacy to support the health and well-being of Clarington for decades to come.
For more information contact:
Mathew Sylvestre, Director of Marketing & Community Engagement
Bowmanville Hospital Foundation
905-623-3331 x 21856 | Myslvestre@lh.ca