Working Wonders Campaign Nears Completion

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

The Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation is proud to announce that the Working Wonders Campaign has reached an exciting milestone, achieving over 98% of its $10.5 million goal to transform surgical care for patients across New Brunswick.

The Working Wonders Campaign is bringing leading-edge surgical technology to the province, including plans to establish Atlantic Canada’s first cardiac hybrid operating room and one of Canada’s first spinal robotics programs at the Saint John Regional Hospital by 2027.

This milestone reflects the extraordinary generosity and leadership of donors throughout the community.

“We are incredibly proud to be entering the final stretch of this campaign,” said Shannon Hunter, President & CEO of the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation. “This progress is a direct result of the leadership and generosity of our donors. Together, we are ensuring our surgical teams have access to advanced equipment and technology to deliver the highest standard of care, while also strengthening our ability to recruit and retain top clinical talent in New Brunswick.”

The Foundation is also pleased to announce a $1 million gift from J.D. Irving, Limited, helping propel the campaign to the 98% milestone. This significant investment reflects a strong commitment to advancing health care in New Brunswick and supporting innovation that will benefit patients and families across the province.

“We are proud to support a campaign that will bring world-class surgical care and innovation to New Brunswick,” said Jim Irving, CEO of J.D. Irving, Limited. “These investments will strengthen the health-care system that our employees, their families, and communities depend on, while improving care for patients across the province.”

The Foundation extends its deepest gratitude to the campaign’s cabinet members and leadership donors, whose early and transformational support has been instrumental to the campaign’s success and has inspired widespread community giving.

“This campaign is a powerful example of what leadership and community can achieve together,” said Dean Mullin, Chair. “Our lead donors and Campaign Cabinet have been instrumental to this success, collectively helping to raise more than $7.5 million to date. Their dedication, advocacy, and personal commitment have built the momentum that is bringing us to the finish line.”

The Working Wonders Campaign is poised to reach its goal in the coming months. These investments are critical to reducing wait times, attracting top surgical talent, and strengthening the Saint John Regional Hospital as the province’s largest centre for complex surgeries — improving access to specialized care close to home.

Support from donors like J.D. Irving, Limited is building on that momentum by funding spinal research and establishing a new fellowship program that will advance knowledge, attract top talent, and ensure patients continue to benefit from leading-edge surgical care close to home. Alongside continued progress on the new cardiac-enabled Hybrid OR, these investments are transforming what we can offer today while strengthening our health-care system for the future.”

Fast Facts

• The cardiac-enabled hybrid OR and spinal robotics program will be located at the Saint John Regional Hospital, the province’s only tertiary cardiac centre and home to the New Brunswick Heart Centre.
• The hospital performs more than 14,800 surgeries annually, including nearly 4,800 cardiac and 380 spinal procedures.
• The new hybrid OR will support approximately 260 complex cardiac cases each year and increase cardiac surgical capacity by up to 20%, helping reduce wait times for cardiac patients.
• The spinal robotics program will enhance precision, improve recovery, and expand surgical capacity.
• Together, these investments will strengthen access to complex care and support the recruitment and retention of leading surgeons.
• The hybrid OR is expected to open in 2027. The spinal robotics system has arrived, with teams training for full implementation in 2026.

Campaign Leadership

• Honorary Chair: Andrew McCain
• Campaign Co-Chairs: Barb Murphy and George D. Georgoudis

Leadership Donors (to date)

• Andrew McCain $1.5 million
• The McCain Foundation $1.5 million
• The Christofor Foundation $1 million
• J.D. Irving, Limited $1 million

To learn more about the Working Wonders Campaign, visit: sjrhfoundation.ca

Media Contact:
Bekah Glass
Bekah.Glass@horizonnb.ca
506.271.5596

About the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation
Since 1984, the Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation has worked with donors to advance health care for patients and families. Through strategic investments in priority areas, both inside and beyond the hospital, the Foundation advances care where it is needed most, helping drive meaningful improvements in access, quality of care and patient outcomes.

Together with our donors and partners, we are helping fuel what’s possible in health care.