This Thanksgiving, The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group (former Lanark Mutual) is saying thank you to a community that has been part of its story for generations with a $250,000 commitment to the Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital Foundation in support of local healthcare.
The three-year commitment recognizes The Commonwell’s deep roots in the region, dating back 130 years, while investing in the health and well-being of the community for generations to come.
“A mindset of thankfulness means that we understand we are part of an ecosystem that has enabled our success – we haven’t done it on our own,” said Tim Shauf, President and CEO, The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group. “Thankfulness is recognition – not for what we are giving, but for what we have been given by this community.”
For The Commonwell, supporting local healthcare is a natural extension of its longstanding commitment to strong, resilient rural communities.
“Healthcare affects everyone at some time. What better way to have an impact, not only for our members, but also for the community as a whole?” said Shauf. “We want to do our part to support the growing of strong communities, and local healthcare is an important part of each community.”
The Thanksgiving announcement also holds special significance for an organization whose history has been shaped by generations of local families, farmers and businesses.
“The Lanark area is special – it’s where a piece of our company started 130 years ago,” said Shauf. “We wanted to commemorate that fact and show our appreciation to those who have helped form a key piece of our history.”
For the Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital Foundation, this commitment represents a significant investment in the future of local healthcare. The funds will support the purchase of priority needs equipment for the Perth and Smiths Falls sites of the hospital, helping ensure healthcare teams have the tools and technology they need to provide high-quality care close to home. As government funding does not cover the cost of all medical equipment, donor support is essential to making these investments possible.
“We are incredibly grateful to The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group for this extraordinary gift and for choosing to invest in the health of our community,” said Margot Hallam, CEO, Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital Foundation. “There is something especially meaningful about a gift rooted in gratitude and a desire to give back. This generosity will have a lasting impact on local healthcare and on the patients and families who rely on our hospital every day.”
The Commonwell’s commitment also reflects the collective generosity at the heart of the Foundation’s work.
“Every act of giving has the potential to create a ripple effect,” said Shauf. “When people, organizations and communities come together around a common purpose, the impact can be far greater than any one contribution alone.”
As The Commonwell reflects on 130 years of community connection this Thanksgiving, its commitment is both a heartfelt thank you and an investment in strong local healthcare for generations to come.
About The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group:
The Commonwell Mutual Insurance Group was established on January 1, 2014, when three longstanding mutual insurance companies came together as one. This union represented an enduring commitment to preserving a way of life cherished by Members for over a century. With roots deeply planted in rural farm communities The Commonwell has expanded across much of Ontario, focusing on smaller places and wide-open spaces. To learn more about The Commonwell and the impact it makes visit thecommonwell.ca/impact