One Year in a Blink: Seanna Millar Reflects on her First Year with the Foundation

It was ‘minute five’ of her first day as the President and CEO of North York General Foundation, when Seanna Millar realized, ‘this hospital is different.”

“I started on a Monday. It was Nursing Week — which is traditionally a really exciting time at NYGH – and I’d been invited to say a few words at an early morning celebration event for our nurses. It was still post-COVID and one of the first times in a while that our hospital’s nurses had gathered together.

So before I knew it I was at the podium, saying my thank yous and introducing myself. And then at the end of my short speech, the nurses, who were the honourees of the day, presented me – me of all people – with a bouquet of flowers, as a thank you for joining the team.

One Year in a Blink: Seanna Millar Reflects on her First Year with the Foundation

Seanna Millar, President & CEO, North York General Foundation

It was ‘minute five’ of her first day as the President and CEO of North York General Foundation, when Seanna Millar realized, ‘this hospital is different.”

When I was still interviewing for this role, everyone I spoke to told me that the culture at North York General Hospital was just different. Different than any hospital setting they’d worked in.

And honestly, thinking back on the last year – I think they actually undersold me. The generosity of our donor community, the genuine passion of our staff and dedication to patient care – it really has been extraordinary to be a part of.

Blink Moments

Champions-Of-Care-for-North-York-General

“I have so many amazing memories from my first year at NYGF, but one standout moment was our Champions of Care event. We asked our donors to dress up as rock stars, following a ‘champions theme’, and admittedly I wasn’t sure if anyone would follow suit.

But wow, everyone showed up decked to the nines just looking fantastic and out on the dance floor. That showed me that there was a real community here — a real family of supporters who care and want to give back.

Also the recent launch of our Here for Life campaign. Watching that all come together and seeing the hospital step into this new era. It was so meaningful, especially considering how much the brand speaks to our hospital so specifically. That is us, up there on those posters, we really are all “Here for Life.”

Looking Ahead

“I’m incredibly lucky to have come on board the Foundation at a hugely transformational time for the hospital.

We have some very exciting things coming – almost doubling the number of beds that we have to meet the needs of our growing and diverse community, our long-term care development that’s hopefully breaking ground in the next 6-12 months… Then a patient care tower with 310 new patient care beds.

On the Foundation side, all that progress will mean exploring innovative new ways to engage our donor community – keeping them informed and involved as we move forward with these tremendous and impactful plans. Our donors, after all, are what keeps North York General Hospital ‘here for life’, and we want them to know and feel that their impact is profound.”

The Power of Giving

“One thing I’ve really learned this year, and that we often forget, is that allowing the gift of gratitude can be extremely meaningful to the donor.

Sometimes as fundraisers, physicians or clinicians we’ll get an emotional ‘thank you’ from a patient or family member who wants to give back. We’re quick to reply with a, “no worries, that’s our job,” but we tend to forget that that expression of gratitude is deeply personal and meaningful to the giver.

We have so many generous donors — loyal donors — donors who have seen the power of what North York General Hospital has done for the community and for their families for generations.

And now with one year spent here, I can say that it all comes down to a community of people who really care. There is this constant, tangible desire to create a patient experience that is warm and welcoming and collaborative and inclusive.

It really does make it feel like a family. And it’s felt that way every moment since I stepped up to that podium one year ago.”

Who is Seanna outside of the office?

When she’s not strolling the sites of North York General Hospital — and waving friendly hellos along her way — Seanna can be found on a hiking, biking or skiing trip, or enjoying the solitude of a solo paddle in a nearby lake. The Calgary-born nature enthusiast is also a proud mother of two teenagers, and says she’ll do just about anything to win one for a team. One example? Eating live bugs during a Survivor-style challenge at her former workplace. Her culinary review? “Crunchy!”

Would you like to support patients and their families at North York General? Donate today to help fund our most urgent needs including upgraded equipment, enhanced care spaces and innovation across NYGH:

Donate now