Submitted article
KIRKLAND LAKE, ON – The Blanche River Health Foundation (BRHF) is honoured to announce a generous donation exceeding $60,000 from the estate of Brian Coghlan. This planned gift, left in Mr. Coghlan’s will, reflects his enduring commitment to the well-being of his community and will directly support the Blanche River Health (BRH) hospitals in Englehart and Kirkland Lake.
Brian Coghlan was raised in Kirkland Lake, where he was a dedicated town councilor and businessman. He was known for his strong support of the community and volunteered extensively in his earlier years as a hockey coach and advocate for youth sports. Brian and his wife, Lucy Beland, made their home at Nettie Lake. Lucy was a longtime nurse of 33 years at the Kirkland Lake hospital, dedicating her career to caring for others. Their shared commitment to the community and healthcare inspired Brian’s decision to leave this bequest.
“We are deeply grateful for Brian’s thoughtful generosity,” said Cassandra James, BRHF Executive Coordinator. “His decision to leave a bequest underscores the vital role that planned giving can play in strengthening local healthcare. This donation will have a lasting impact on the communities we serve.”
This significant contribution will go towards funding the purchase of critical equipment and support capital projects, which include much-needed renovations and upgrades. These improvements will enhance patient care and ensure the hospitals continue to meet the healthcare needs of our communities.
Barbara Effenberger, Vice President of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer at BRH, highlighted the broader benefits of planned giving. “Bequests not only provide critical funding for healthcare initiatives but can also offer significant tax savings for donors,” she said. “These contributions enable us to advance our mission of providing high-quality care and meeting the evolving needs of our community.”
Brian’s gift follows in the footsteps of other legacy donations, such as Olga Jackson’s bequest, which continues to inspire individuals to consider planned giving as a way to support healthcare in the region.
Donations like Brian’s ensure that BRH can continue to provide exceptional care and services to residents of Englehart, Kirkland Lake, and surrounding areas.
About Planned Giving
Leaving a gift in your will (a bequest) to the Blanche River Health Foundation ensures a lasting impact on healthcare for Kirkland Lake, Englehart, and surrounding areas. A gift as small as 5% of your estate can make a significant difference in a variety of ways.
As a registered charity, BRHF donations do not affect your current income and can significantly reduce estate taxes. Unrestricted gifts allow hospitals to allocate funds to the most urgent needs, like new equipment or innovative initiatives.
If you prefer your gift to support a specific hospital site (Englehart or Kirkland Lake) or hospital department, simply include those details in your will, and we will honour your wishes.
Learn more about planned giving at brhfoundation.ca or speak to your estate planner.
About Blanche River Health Foundation
The Blanche River Health Foundation raises funds for equipment and capital projects at the Englehart and Kirkland Lake sites. With limited government funding for these needs, the hospital relies on community donations to modernize facilities and equipment. As a registered charity governed by a volunteer board of directors, the Foundation depends on people’s generosity to support essential improvements, enhance patient care and support the hospital’s mission to make healthcare work for you.
To continue supporting BRH, please consider donating to the BRH Foundation via:
145 Government Road East, Kirkland Lake, Ontario P2N 3P4
Visit brhfoundation.ca to learn more or to donate.