September 17, 2026 – St. John’s, N.L. – Through its annual Comfort in Care™ program, the Health Care Foundation has awarded $115,000 in grants to 127 frontline healthcare teams to support patients, residents, and families throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Since its inception in 2005, Comfort in Care™ has provided more than $1.2 million in funding to patient-focused initiatives within hospitals and long-term care centres throughout Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services’ Eastern-Urban Zone.
“This year, we are awarding 127 grants, totaling $115,000. That’s 127 ideas that will bring comfort, compassion, and connection to patients, residents, and families. And behind every one of those grants is a healthcare professional who cares deeply about the experience of the people they serve,” said David Jones, Chair of the Board of Directors, Health Care Foundation.
This year’s ceremony also honoured the legacy of Kathy Corbett, co-founder of the Comfort in Care™ Program, who passed away in June 2026. Through her leadership and dedication, Kathy helped build a program that has brought comfort, dignity, and meaningful support to thousands of patients, residents, and families throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
“Kathy’s compassion, vision, and unwavering commitment to enhancing care touched countless lives and helped shape a program that continues to make a meaningful difference in our community,” said Paul Snow, President and Chief Executive Officer, Health Care Foundation.
This year’s event was further enhanced by a special contribution from Brunch with the Bags™, a Health Care Foundation’s signature fundraising event. The event’s committee chose to invest $10,000 from event proceeds to a designated Comfort in Care™ grant supporting women’s health, expanding the program’s impact for women receiving care in Newfoundland and Labrador.
This year’s grants support a wide range of initiatives spanning acute care, long-term care, rehabilitation, palliative care, and community-based services. Together, these projects will enhance comfort, foster connection, and improve the everyday experiences of patients, residents, and families receiving care in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The program is made possible through the generosity of donors and the longstanding support of belairdirect, a dedicated partner of both the Comfort in Care™ program and the Health Care Foundation.
The Health Care Foundation also recognizes the dedication of the Comfort in Care™ Selection Committee. Through their thoughtful evaluation of applications, donor contributions are directed toward projects that deliver meaningful impact and reflect the very best of patient-centred care.
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Christina Morgan, CFRE
Chief Development Officer
Health Care Foundation
T: 709-777-2808
E: christina.morgan@healthcarefoundation.ca
