John Herdman to Headline Annual Gala

The Canadian Olympic Women’s Soccer Team head coach will ‘Bend it for Bluewater Health’ as keynote speaker

Bluewater Health Foundation is thrilled to announce that Canadian Olympic Women’s Soccer Team head coach John Herdman will headline as keynote speaker at their annual gala on Thursday, October 13 at the Holiday Inn.

“There’s so much excitement surrounding the women’s soccer team and Mr. Herdman due to their extraordinary efforts thus far at the Olympics,” says Kathy Alexander, Executive Director, Bluewater Health Foundation. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome him to Sarnia-Lambton fresh off of what very well could be a major win in Rio de Janeiro.”

John Herdman once took a group called a “struggling squad” to one that has captured the hearts and minds of Canadians. Under his leadership, the women’s team won the bronze medal at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, and also took a gold medal at the 2011 Pan Am Games in Mexico – the first Pan Am gold in Canadian soccer history.

In his riveting talks, Herdman, who was a nominee for both the 2012 and 2015 FIFA Coach of the Year, stresses the importance of developing a high performance culture, learning to overcome adversity with grace, and the role of leaders to inspire trust, confidence and success, whether on the field, in the workplace, or in the home.

Since 2013, the Foundation’s annual gala has successfully raised over $160,000 for important initiatives and departments at Bluewater Health. This year, funds raised will support diagnostic health, specifically the purchase of a new CT scanner.

Bluewater Health’s current CT scanner was acquired 11 years ago and is at the end of its lifespan. Known as the ‘workhorse’ of the imaging department, the CT scanner produces 3D images of the body to give doctors a detailed picture of what is going on inside. This vastly increases the doctor’s ability to accurately and quickly diagnose medical conditions and injuries. A CT scan shows detail that cannot be seen on traditional x-ray.

“Having this new and upgraded CT scanner will enable scans to be completed at a fraction of the time they currently take,” says Dr. Youssef Almalki, Consultant Radiologist, Medical Director, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Bluewater Health. “This will improve the patient’s experience by providing fast imaging for pediatric patients without the need for sedation, trauma patients, and those that are unable to hold still. The CT project will also enhance access to care by providing uninterrupted and advanced imaging for our stroke patients.”

In addition to Herdman’s keynote speech, the gala will include a five-course meal prepared by executive chef Phil Washington, a live auction, and musical entertainment.

Tickets are $250 each and are on sale now at Bluewater Health Foundation, either in person or by calling 519-464-4408. Each ticket includes a charitable tax receipt for $100. Information regarding sponsorship opportunities is available by contacting Adelle Stewardson, Marketing and Fund Development Coordinator, at 519-464-4439 or [email protected].  

For media inquiries or more information          

Kathy Alexander                                                     
Executive Director                                                                          
519-464-4438
[email protected]