As the Kinmount and District Health Services Foundation (KDHSF) works with physician recruiters to bring a new family doctor to the community, organizers of the annual Journey for Health fundraiser said this year’s event is an important one.
Marking its 28th year in 2026, the event runs next Saturday (Sept. 19) at Austin Sawmill Heritage Park from 9 a.m. to noon.
The day doubles as a benefit and family event, with a charity walk, jog or bike ride along the trail raising money the group can use to entice doctors to relocate to the village. There will be fun activities running all morning in the park.
Kim Restivo-Galea and Susan Forrester have been part of the organizing team for several years. They said KDHSF usually provides a one-time $30,000 bonus to new physicians establishing a practice. They also cover costs for site visits.
“This is an important opportunity for our community to come together in support of local health care,” Restivo-Galea said.
Forrester added, “We hope our fundraising events will be successful, so we are able to provide the necessary incentives and supports to attract and retain at least one additional primary health provider.”
Kinmount has just one family doctor – Dr. Lesslie Ponraja, who joined the clinic in March 2023. Another physician, Dr. Mimi Van Der Leden, joined in February 2025 though left a little over a year later, closing her practice in May.
Forrester told The Highlander Sept. 8, “we have no news at this time about another physician coming to Kinmount.”
She said there will be something for everyone at Journey for Health. The Kinmount and District Lions Club is hosting a pancake breakfast, by donation, firefighters from Kawartha Lakes Fire and Rescue will be on-site, while the Friends of the Kinmount Library is putting on a used book sale. There will be other health and wellness booths and games for children.
KDHSF is also running an online auction, which kicks off Oct. 1. Restivo-Galea said money will go towards maintaining the clinic and purchasing new medical equipment. Auction organizer, Jenna Brown, said she has several exciting items, including a Toronto Maple Leafs jersey signed by Matthew Knies and a Toronto Raptors jersey signed by Immanuel Quickley, but is looking for more donations.
People can check out the auction at www. facebook.com/share/18zdiffpqN/ and contact Brown at fundraisingkdhsf@gmail. com.
