Hats on for Healthcare kicks off 16th campaign

The 16th annual Hats on for Healthcare campaign in support of the Windsor Regional Hospital kicked off March 1, 2025. (Robert Lothian/CTV News Windsor)

The 16th annual Hats on for Healthcare campaign in support of the Windsor Regional Hospital kicked off Saturday morning.

Colourful and creative hats were on display at the Devonshire Mall food court to begin the month-long fundraiser for vital hospital equipment.

Stacey MacDonald, manager of philanthropy for the foundation, told CTV News this year’s donations will support the cardiology program.

“Anybody who is experiencing any sort of heart condition, heart issues, a heart attack, they would come into the hospital, they would be seen, they would be treated,” MacDonald said.

“We currently have one [catheterization] lab in our hospital. We are focused on building another cath lab to support the incredible need that our community has when it comes to cardiology.”

Over the first 15 campaigns, Hats On For Healthcare has raised more than $650,000 for the hospital’s programs and services.

With a goal of raising $100,000, fundraising began Saturday with the 3rd annual radiothon on AM800 CKLW.

“It’s about the community coming together, and before we even launched, we’ve already raised close to $40,000 just in sponsorships alone,” MacDonald said.

Despite its name, MacDonald noted the hospital serves both Windsor and the surrounding communities.

“We deserve a hospital that is able to treat our community in the way in which it deserves to be treated,” she said.

“Anyone who needs treatment deserves to get to stay here in Windsor and not have to go elsewhere to get the treatment and the services that they need.”

MacDonald is encouraging individuals or teams to sign up online and help reach this year’s goal before the campaign ends on March 31.