The executive director of the Haliburton Highlands Health Services Foundation (HHHSF) believes a great deal has been accomplished in her three years, and is now looking for even more professional growth as she returns to school for a Master’s degree.
The foundation announced May 25 that Melanie Klodt Wong is stepping down from her role.
Board chair, David Blodgett, thanked Klodt Wong for more than three years of service, saying, “her leadership has contributed to the strong community support we are fortunate to receive and to the very successful ‘Here for You in the Highlands’ campaign.
Klodt Wong was at the helm for fundraising more than $6 million for a CT scanner and mammography unit.
Klodt Wong told The Highlander this week, “I have worked with so many great people and learned so many things, and we have accomplished a ridiculous amount.” She is proud of her work with HHHSF, seeing what volunteers have done with the Matt Duchene charity golf classic. She loves radiothon, and its grassroots community support.
She added she is leaving the foundation in a good place, with a strong board. She noted Haliburton Highlands Health Services has a new CEO, so it’s a good time to transition. HHHS appointed Jack Hutchison as its president and chief executive officer, effective March 30.
“And, now, I need growth. I want to do more things,” Klodt Wong said.
She will soon be commencing her Master’s in philanthropy and not-for-profit leadership at Carleton University. It is a two-year program. She and partner, Wilson Klodt Wong, are staying in Haliburton County.
She is keen to learn more about how philanthropy in Canada works, noting it is very different than other countries, such as the U.S., U.K. and Australia.
“We’re not all the same. For example, Canada has the best tax benefits for giving in the world, and yet fewer Canadians are getting tax receipts. The other major benefit in Canada is capital gains.”
Donating highly appreciated assets directly to a registered charity allows you to eliminate capital gains tax while claiming a charitable tax receipt for the full fair market value. This provides a significantly higher tax benefit than selling the asset first and donating the cash proceeds.
She will graduate in 2028 and hopes the theory, on top of the practical experience she has had, will set her up well for her next role.
One thing remains the same, however.
“My favourite thing about doing this work is connecting someone who wants to make a difference to something that needs that. And when you put those two things together, it’s an amazing thing.”
Blodgett added, “all of us on the foundation board extend our sincere thanks to Melanie and wish her every success in her future endeavours.
“The foundation’s board of directors is actively preparing for the transition and remains focused on the important work of supporting exceptional health care in our community.
“We thank the community for your ongoing generosity and support.”
