For fundraising expert Troy Cross, being part of the largest fundraising campaign in the history of Queensway Carleton Hospital was too good of an opportunity for him to pass up.

Sure, his plan to move to England to inspire the next generation of young philanthropists was exciting. But, being offered the chance to make an indelible impact on his home community far outweighed the allure of adventure abroad. London wasn’t calling; Ottawa was.

“It was like something was pulling me to come back here and help,” said Troy of his return to the nation’s capital, via Toronto, to take on the brand new position of Vice President of Transformational and Major Gifts at QCH Foundation. “I just really wanted to be part of it and join this passionate team of fundraising professionals led by a truly inspiring community builder.”

Troy grew up south of Ottawa in the small village of Chesterville and has spent the majority of his life in the region. He brings to QCH Foundation more than 25 years’ experience in fundraising, much of it in the non-profit healthcare sector. He’s worked nationally and internationally, and has helped to secure multi-million-dollar charitable gifts.

Only a few weeks into his role, Troy remains deeply impressed by the caring and supportive environment at QCH. “I walk around and I’m still in awe of the place and the healthcare workers that I’m meeting,” he said. “They are so kind and so committed.

“That’s something you feel, that energy, when you’re walking around the hospital hallways,” said Troy while expressing his gratitude for the universal healthcare available to Canadians. “I know there are a lot of pressures facing the healthcare system, but we really are fortunate.

“There is an understanding here at QCH that people love their local, west end hospital and want to protect local healthcare. I can feel the deep-rooted sense of responsibility and community connection these front-line healthcare workers have. I’m also struck by the hospital’s unwavering commitment to equity, diversity, inclusivity and belonging. It’s a dedication, beyond the bricks and mortar, that will truly make it one of the most inclusive healthcare spaces in Canada – and it’s the people who bring that vision to life every day.”

Plans are in the works for a major expansion at QCH to increase access to care for those living in Ottawa’s west end. When QCH opened its doors in 1976, it was designed to serve a population of nearly 100,000. Today, it cares for 500,000 patients annually, providing healthcare to half of Ottawa.

As the only full-service hospital in the west end, QCH serves one of the fastest growing and aging hospital catchment areas in the country. Its Emergency Department is one of the busiest in the province, with more than 80,000 visits each year. That’s a number that’s expected to top 100,000 by 2029.

Investing in QCH is a critical part of our Foundation’s ongoing commitment to projects that help reduce wait times, enhance patient care and assist our hospital in recruiting and retaining top talent.

What drew Troy to a career in fundraising was “the people— hands down — the people. Their stories and why they’re connected to the hospital are my fuel; that’s the impact.”

Supporting the hospital is a way for former patients to express their gratitude, he pointed out. “They received such good care that they want others to receive the same quality of care, or even better.

“Going on that journey with a donor and helping them achieve their desired success with the hospital is incredibly energizing. I absolutely love it.”