About Us 

Our Story, History, Team, and Community Impact 

The Devon General Hospital Foundation is committed to the promotion and enhancement of health care programs and services offered within the community.
 

 > About

Our Story

The Devon General Hospital Foundation was established in 1994 through the dedication and leadership of Lorraine Nicholas, a hospital employee who brought together a group of committed volunteers to create the Foundation.

Lorraine embraced this initiative with remarkable energy and passion, becoming one of the Foundation’s strongest and most enduring advocates. She was deeply committed to promoting the Foundation and its vital support of palliative care and long-term care residents. Sharing this message throughout the Devon community and surrounding area was tremendously important to her, and she took every opportunity to raise awareness of the Foundation’s work.

Lorraine served as President of the Foundation for more than a dozen years and continued to contribute as a Board member until her retirement in 2018. Her leadership, dedication, and unwavering advocacy helped shape the Foundation into what it is today, leaving a lasting legacy of community support and compassionate care.

 

What We Do

To generate financial and other support required to achieve this goal, the Foundation assists the Hospital in creating a closer and more effective partnership within the community.

As a registered charitable organization since 1994, the Foundation provides an avenue to make financial and other contributions to the Hospital.

 Registered Charitable No.
#89060 9449 RR0001.

 

Our Team

Doreen Farrants

Doreen Farrants   

Chair

Doreen Farrants

Doreen Farrants

Chair


I have been privileged to work with a marine transportation company that exposed me to the culture and vastness of the Northwest Territories. After 25 years, I returned to Alberta and retired to the beautiful community of Devon. I was not quite ready to put my feet up, so I took a part-time position with RBC which introduced me to many residents in the community along with the many services and programs offered to seniors. Getting involved in the community led me to the Devon General Hospital Foundation. Since joining the Board in 2018, I have been introduced to a group of volunteers who give from the heart. It was awe inspiring to learn about the many projects, services and programs the Foundation has offered over the years and continues to grow its portfolio of giving programs. The long-term residents of the hospital, the staff and the community at large are its beneficiaries. While focusing on our mission statement – ‘making a difference in our healthcare community’, the Board continues to learn from each other, to take pride in our accomplishments and to keep an open mind for new opportunities. It is indeed a pleasure to sit on this Board with a talented team of volunteers and giveback to the community it serves.

On a personal note, visiting with family and friends, camping, golfing, walking Bamboo, playing cards,and helping others gives me tremendous pleasure.

Noella  Winterholt

Noella Winterholt   

Vice Chair

Noella  Winterholt

Noella Winterholt

Vice Chair


Noella has called Devon home since 2004 and joined the Devon General Hospital Foundation Board in 2012 after an inspiring visit from Barb Wallace. With a 30-year career in banking with ATB Financial, she brings valuable experience in leadership, operations, and risk management to the Foundation.

Supported by her husband, Ted, Noella is deeply family-oriented and believes strong communities are built through care, connection, trust and giving back. Her personal values closely align with the Foundation’s mission of enhancing local healthcare, supporting essential fundraising, and improving wellness for Devon residents. She is especially grateful for the dedicated volunteers she works alongside and is proud to contribute to the hospital and community she calls home.

Maryann Sagan

Maryann Sagan   

Secretary

Maryann Sagan

Maryann Sagan

Secretary


Maryann is a proud resident of the thriving Town of Devon. She was drawn to the Devon General Hospital Foundation while seeking a meaningful way to give back to her community. She began her involvement as a volunteer in the Gift Shop, later served as Recording Secretary, and eventually became a Board member.

Maryann brings extensive experience in records management and health and safety, along with a strong attention to detail that is a valuable asset to the Foundation. She is passionate about the Foundation’s work and deeply committed to its initiatives. Maryann finds great reward in seeing the impact of donor support—providing much-needed hospital equipment, enhancing the Courtyard, and supporting community-based health programs that better serve the community.

Barb Dillingham

Barb Dillingham   

Trustee

Barb Dillingham

Barb Dillingham

Trustee


Barb has proudly called Devon home for the past 45 years. For 20 years, she has served as a dedicated board member of the Devon General Hospital Foundation, where her passion for volunteerism and community service continues to inspire her work.

Barb joined the Foundation at the encouragement of her friend, Judy Charron, who quickly recruited her to help with the Taste of Devon fundraiser. What began as a simple invitation soon became a lasting commitment to supporting local healthcare initiatives.

Now celebrating its 20th year on May 7, Taste of Devon stands as a testament to the generosity and spirit of the community. Barb and the board are deeply grateful for the many years of support that have made the event such a success.

She also extends her heartfelt thanks to the staff of the Devon General Hospital for their compassion and dedication. Their thoughtful care holds a special place in her heart.

Chantelle Murray

Chantelle Murray   

Trustee

Chantelle Murray

Chantelle Murray

Trustee


Chantelle joined the Board in 2025. She brings expertise in digital media and marketing

A stay-at-home mom and entrepreneur, Chantelle has a deep personal connection to health care. Growing up with a chronically ill father, she spent significant time in hospitals while supporting him as his health declined. These experiences shaped her understanding of the impact health care has not only on patients, but on their families as well.

She joined the Foundation with a desire to help elevate awareness and ensure the Foundation receives the recognition it deserves, while making a meaningful impact on patient and family care. Chantelle enjoys creative challenges, thinking outside the box, thrifting, upcycling, and spending quality time with her family.

Cheryl Smith

Cheryl Smith   

Trustee

Cheryl Smith

Cheryl Smith

Trustee


More information coming soon.

Cyndie Sekora

Cyndie Sekora   

Trustee

Cyndie Sekora

Cyndie Sekora

Trustee


Cyndie brings over 20 years of professional experience and a deep commitment to community service in her role on the Devon General Hospital Foundation Board. After working in telecommunications, she transitioned into municipal government and has long been an active volunteer in Devon.

As a resident whose family has benefited from the care provided by Devon General Hospital, Cyndie is passionate about giving back. She joined the Foundation Board in 2022 and is proud to support its meaningful work for the hospital and community.

Fiona McAllister

Fiona McAllister   

Trustee

Fiona McAllister

Fiona McAllister

Trustee


Fiona has been a Board member of the Devon General Hospital Foundation since 2012. She joined the Foundation at the encouragement of Lorraine Nicholas—though she admits a bit of arm twisting may have been involved.

A proud Devon resident, Fiona is deeply committed to her community and values the important role the hospital and Foundation play in supporting local health care.

Linda Shute

Linda Shute   

Trustee

Linda Shute

Linda Shute

Trustee


Linda was born and raised on a farm between Calmar and Devon, where she learned the importance of hard work, compassion, and community. After moving to Edmonton, she built a successful career in sales—beginning in furniture, then advertising—and eventually became the Marketing Manager for a local shopping mall.

Her life took a new direction when her mother suffered a stroke. Linda chose to retire early to care for her, and when her mother moved into Long Term Care at the Devon Hospital, Linda became closely connected with the Foundation. Through this experience, she gained a deep appreciation for the importance of helping Long Term Care residents feel at home—not just cared for, but truly living with comfort, dignity, and joy.

This journey reshaped Linda’s perspective and reinforced her belief that some of the most meaningful work we can do is helping others feel connection and belonging in the place they call home.

Sharon Elhard

Sharon Elhard   

Trustee

Sharon Elhard

Sharon Elhard

Trustee


Sharon joined the Devon General Hospital Foundation in 2010. She worked as a nurse in acute care psychiatry for 20 years and spent time at both the former Devon Hospital and the Devon Medical Clinic. She currently serves as the office manager for R&T Network Solutions, her husband’s family-owned business, now in its third generation and operating for 66 years.

With extensive experience working in healthcare and serving on numerous boards over her lifetime, joining the Foundation was a natural fit. Sharon strongly believes that while many organizations have wonderful visions and volunteers, the hospital is a place everyone relies on at some point. The Foundation is where she has chosen to focus her efforts for the past 15 years and plans to remain involved as long as she is useful—or “voluntold,” as she jokes, having once again been named Chair of Taste Again next year.

Sharon has been married for nearly 50 years, has one son, Mike, along with a daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, and a dog named Chase. Known for her honesty, strong opinions, and sense of humor, Sharon may be slowed down—but never silenced.

Yasir Iqbal

Yasir Iqbal   

Trustee

Yasir Iqbal

Yasir Iqbal

Trustee


Yasir joined the board in November of 2025. He is dedicated to supporting the Devon General Hospital Foundation’s mission to enhance patient care, empower frontline staff, and promote the wellness of residents. He brings a commitment to thoughtful governance, community engagement, and strong stewardship of donor funds, aiming to make a meaningful impact on the hospital and the community it serves.

Pat Fyrk

Pat Fyrk   

Accounting Clerk

Pat Fyrk

Pat Fyrk

Accounting Clerk


More information coming soon

 
 
 
 
 

 

 

Your Impact

More information coming soon.
 


Financial Statements

The Foundation is pleased to provide a copy of the audited Financial Statements upon request.

 admin@devonhospitalfoundation.org 

 


 

  My dad’s care at Devon General Hospital was outstanding. The Foundation’s funding for advanced equipment made a huge difference in his diagnosis. We’re so grateful to the donors who gave us hope. 

- Jonathan Doe
   Devon, AB

  I’ve donated to the Foundation for years because it supports our local hospital. My contributions help fund vital equipment and programs, and I’m proud to be part of this community. 

- Michael R.
   Local Business Owner

  After surgery, the Foundation’s support for patient programs gave me access to great care and equipment. They truly change lives, and I’m proof of that. 

- Emily T.
   Devon, AB

  I donated after seeing the amazing care my neighbor got at Devon General Hospital. Even a small gift makes a big impact, and I’m glad to help our community. 

- James L.
   Devon Resident

 

Proudly supporting the Devon General Hospital Since 1984

Ways to Give

Devon General Hospital Foundation gladly accepts donations via:

  • Cash
  • Cheque
  • VISA
  • MasterCard
  • Estate Planning
  • Gifts in Kind

See our How to Support page for more ways you can make a difference.

Stay in Touch

We love to hear from and engage with our community. Here are some ways to do that.

  • Join our mailing list
  • Volunteer
  • Follow us on Social Media

  

Contact Us

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To Donate or for questions about donations and support.

 Phone: (780) 342-7002
 Email us

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