40 Under 40

• At Red Deer Regional Health Foundation, Manon leads a team of seven and under her leadership, the team raised over $8 million (gross) in 2018-2019. These funds supported a wide range of needs at the hospital, including over $700,000 in funding for Cardiac, ER and ICU equipment.

• Since becoming Chief Executive Officer of the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation, Manon’s leadership and expertise in fundraising has increased annual donor retention rate by 33% by introducing a formal stewardship plan, a robust annual giving and major gifts program, which includes one-time and monthly giving, additional signature events, a grateful patient program, an annual home lottery, a payday raffle for hospital staff, third party fundraising, and legacy and memorial giving. She has lowered annual cost per dollar by 10% in one year by closely monitoring expenses and adjusting to the economic times.

1. How did you get into healthcare philanthropy?

Through teaching health-based sciences, I was able to get a feel for the health field which intrigued me. When I entered the world of fundraising, I was immediately drawn to both the analytical and creative nature of it. As we all know, fundraising is always changing, which inspires me to be creative in my strategies. 

2. Why did you choose to make healthcare philanthropy your career?

Ultimately, fundraising allows me to be both analytical and creative all at the same time which is challenging and exciting. More importantly, healthcare fundraising has a direct influence on every member of my community, and being able to have a positive impact on their lives is an experience I will want to feel for the rest of my life.

3. Tell us about a pivot point or crucial step in your career journey.

Everything in my career changed when I moved to Alberta. I was able to use my fundraising skills in new and innovative ways. Fundraising strategies sometimes require a little tweaking when demographics change. This was a big lesson for me, an eye opener that diversified my professional life in the most exciting way.

4. What was your first job, and what is something it taught you?

I was a paper carrier when I was 12. It is a young age to start having responsibilities but something I believe all children should do. My mother helped me understand that others rely on you to get a job done and letting someone down can have a trickle effect. It was then I learned that autonomy and self discipline will get me far in life.

5. What are your future aspirations?

I will always want to work in a field that allows me to drive a team to success all while making a difference.