Humber River Health Foundation Appoints Diamond as Agency of Record

On October 18th, 2015, Humber River Hospital opened the doors of the first fully digital hospital in North America. The new building is designed to maximize the benefits of technology, lean design and environmental planning. Built with patients and families in mind, the new site supports a healthcare team dedicated to providing the highest quality care with professionalism, respect and compassion and in collaboration with our patients, families, and partners. 

In June 2023, Humber River Hospital Foundation rebranded as Humber River Health Foundation, a change that reflects the modernized offering and future of healthcare for Ontario. 

On the future and mission of the foundation, Sandra Sualim, president and CEO at Humber River Health Foundation says, “Humber River Health is setting a new Canadian healthcare standard as North America's first digital hospital. With a history of pioneering initiatives, we integrate innovation, compassion, clinical expertise and technology to transform patient care that enables us to treat more patients in less time and with better outcomes. We are driven to deliver the best care possible; not only for our patients, but as a model for healthcare nationwide.”

To bring this transformative approach to healthcare to life and the financial support needed from the community, the Humber River Health Foundation (HRHF) has selected Diamond to lead brand strategy and creative development to advance brand building fundraising efforts.

“What is happening at Humber River Health Foundation is an exciting opportunity for donors during a time when the future of Canada’s universal healthcare system feels jeopardised,” says Lori Davison, chief strategy officer at Diamond. “It is an exciting challenge to dive into and one, we at Diamond are thrilled to take on. This organisation is truly raising the bar for the quality of care that a community hospital can deliver for every patient in need.” 

With potential donor dollars strapped due to rising costs and the competitive landscape of patient care, Humber River Health Foundation vice president marketing and donor engagement, Michelle Tafler sought a unique agency partner that would be able to navigate this complex industry and capture the attention needed. With a depth of experience in healthcare and agency leadership, Michelle knew right away the skills and capabilities of Diamond made them perfect for the task at hand. 

“With an incredible depth of talent that has not only done this before but knows the space and the type of work required to break through, partnering together was not only reassuring but very exciting,” says Michelle. “There are many facets to fundraising for a healthcare community - the strategy, message and even down to the execution need to resonate with our various stakeholders from within the halls at HRH to the wider community members we hold in high esteem.” 

As Diamond continues to bring in top talent to fulfil the promise of being the leading idea-led integrated agency to solve challenging business problems, HRHF will have access to the full service offering with the project kicking off this week, slated for a 2024 launch.  

CCO Peter Ignazi comments on the collaboration, “What’s more important than securing the future of healthcare and ensuring all Canadians can continue to be proud of our world class institutions? Anticipating the future of healthcare requires a bold and nimble creative strategy, and we are up for the challenge.”