Town of Bracebridge re-launches fundraising campaign in support of the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation

BRACEBRIDGE, ON (April 13, 2026, 2025) – The Town of Bracebridge is pleased to announce the relaunch of the Best Seat in the House and Buy a Bay fundraising programs in a renewed partnership with the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation (SMHF).

Council has approved a new five-year Fundraising Partnership Agreement with SMHF, extending the program through December 31, 2030, or until all remaining seats and bays are claimed.

Originally launched in June 2022 to help support the development of the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre, the program gave residents, families, and businesses the opportunity to sponsor a seat in the Muskoka Lumber Arena or a book bay in the Coulson Family Bracebridge Library. Donors receive personalized recognition through onsite placards while supporting important community priorities.

Between June 2022 and August 2024, more than $225,000 was raised through the initiative, with 424 arena seats and 80 book bays committed. With nearly 600 seats and 250 book bays still available, the relaunch offers a continued opportunity for community members to participate.

Yesterday, Mayor Maloney presented Tammy Selkirk, Community Giving Coordinator, South Muskoka Hospital Foundation, with a cheque for $4,240.87 to officially kick off the next phase of the program.

Under the program, arena seats are available for a $500 donation and book bays for $250. Fifteen percent of the net proceeds from each donation supports the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation’s annual capital campaign, while the Town’s portion helps offset construction costs associated with the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre. All sponsorship purchases are eligible for a tax receipt.

About the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation
As a professional fundraising organization, SMHF provides expertise in campaign design, donor engagement, marketing, and community outreach. Their involvement was a key factor in the program’s early success and is expected to further enhance participation over the next five years.

Learn more about the organization at healthmuskoka.ca.

About the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre
Since opening in 2024, the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre has become a vibrant community hub for recreation, creativity, healthy living, community engagement and so much more. Thousands of visitors visit the facility each week for programs, services, and shared experiences further enhancing access to healthy living and supporting Council’s priority of supporting community health and wellbeing.

The Bracebridge Library continues to be a valued partner in this community fundraising initiative, offering donors a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy within the space through the Buy a Bay program.

To learn more about the program and sponsor a seat or book bay, visit bracebridge.ca/bestseat or bracebridgelibrary.ca/about-us/support-the-library.


Quotes

“The Best Seat in the House and Buy a Bay program has been an incredible example of community generosity. By renewing our partnership with the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation, we’re strengthening a model that supports both the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre and local hospital care, two essential pillars of a healthy, vibrant community.”
-    Rick Maloney, Mayor, Town of Bracebridge

“We are proud to renew this meaningful partnership with the Town of Bracebridge. The Best Seat in the House and Buy a Bay program is a powerful example of how community generosity can have a dual impact, enhancing health and wellness in two important areas. Every sponsored seat and book bay helps support healthcare close to home.”
-    Leah Walker, Executive Director, South Muskoka Hospital Foundation

“Since opening the new facility, we’ve seen firsthand how deeply this community values the Library as a place to gather, learn, and grow. The Buy a Bay program allows individuals and families to leave a lasting mark within a space that is used and loved every single day. We’re proud to be part of a partnership that strengthens both our community infrastructure and local healthcare.”
-    Crystal Bergstrome, CEO & Chief Librarian, Bracebridge Library