April 1, 2026 – St. John’s, N.L. – The Health Care Foundation today announced the record-breaking success of The Big Raise, with $420,870 raised to advance medical imaging and improve access to timely diagnosis and care— the highest fundraising total in the history of the event.
Held at JAG Soundhouse, The Big Raise welcomed 280 attendees, marking the largest turnout to date, for a high-energy evening in support of advancing health care in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Funds raised through this year’s event will support enhancements to medical imaging capacity, including the addition of a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) unit at the Unity Health Centre. This investment will help expand access to timely diagnosis, enabling earlier detection, and more informed clinical decision-making.
“The Big Raise continues to demonstrate what is possible when our community comes together with a shared purpose,” said Paul Snow, president and CEO of the Health Care Foundation. “That collective support is helping to strengthen the full patient journey, from diagnosis through to treatment, ensuring Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can access the care they need, when they need it.”
The success of this year’s event reflects the continued leadership and vision behind The Big Raise, which has become a signature initiative in support of priority health care needs.
”This year’s success speaks to the incredible momentum behind The Big Raise,” said Jocelyn Perry, honorary chair of The Big Raise and executive vice-president and chief financial officer of Fortis Inc. “This record-breaking year was made possible by the generosity of our sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who believe deeply in strengthening health care in our province.”
The Health Care Foundation extends sincere appreciation to this year’s presenting sponsors, Fortis, Keyin College and RBC; platinum sponsors belairdirect, Keith Bradbury Realtor, and Seafair; and gold sponsors Browning Harvey Limited, CIBC, Oceanex, Nutra Holdings, and Scotiabank. The Foundation also gratefully acknowledges the generous support of all silver sponsors, participants, donors, and volunteers whose collective contributions made The Big Raise 2026 a standout success in support of health care in Newfoundland and Labrador.
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About the Health Care Foundation
The Health Care Foundation advances adult health care in Newfoundland and Labrador, providing essential support to NL Health Services. Through the generosity of donors, the Foundation funds advanced equipment, innovative programs, research and education, empowering health care teams to deliver exceptional patient care in Newfoundland and Labrador.
With initiatives spanning cardiac care, medical imaging, mental health, women’s health, emergency services, innovation and surgical services, the Foundation is committed to creating healthier futures for the province’s residents and strengthening the health care system for generations to come.
Learn more: healthcarefoundation.ca
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About the Big Raise
The Big Raise is an exclusive charity poker event founded by community leaders Craig Rowe and Craig Tucker. Designed as a distinctive philanthropic experience, it brings together business leaders and community champions in support of meaningful change. Over the past 15 years, The Big Raise has hosted eight events and raised more than $1.5 million for charities in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Having completed three years of partnership with the Health Care Foundation, The Big Raise continues to support one of the most urgent priorities in adult health care in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Media contact
Samantha Harding
Director, Marketing and Communications
Health Care Foundation
T: 709-687-9707
E: samantha.harding@healthcarefoundation.ca
