Albert Watson Bennett was born in Hopewell Cape in 1864.  After studying law in Dorchester, New Brunswick, he was admitted to the bar of New Brunswick in 1885.  Throughout his career, Judge Bennett encountered a variety of life situations and became acutely aware of the inequalities in health services.  In 1960, he made a significant bequest in his will to the Albert County Hospital, which was realized in 1973 following his wife’s passing.

In 1974, the “Friends of the Albert County Hospital Inc.” was established as a foundation to receive and manage gifts and bequests.  The landscape of health care in New Brunswick changed in 1992 when regionalization was introduced.  As a result, the South-East Health Care Corporation assumed control over all hospital funds in its region.  The Board of Trustees of this corporation was committed to ensuring that the Bennett Funds, along with other donations, were used solely for the benefit of the Albert County Hospital.

To oversee the distribution of donated funds, an Advisory Committee was formed to provide guidance to the South-East Regional Health Corporation.  This committee actively advocated for the creation of an incorporated foundation to manage these funds and future contributions.  Their efforts culminated in 1998 with the incorporation of the Bennett and Albert County Hospital Foundation, as a registered charity.

In the early 2000s, when the Albert County Hospital transitioned to become the Albert County Health and Wellness Centre, the foundation changed its name to the Bennett and Albert County Health Care Foundation in keeping with the facility’s new name.  The wellness centre then transitioned to the Albert County Community Health Centre.

Today, the Bennett and Albert County Health Care Foundation administers all funds, which are generated through donations and investment income. Various fundraising initiatives support specific equipment needs, including through:

• Direct mail campaigns.

• Mail drops to households.

• Face-to-face personal solicitations.

• Staff appeals through the Albert County Community Health Centre (ACCHC).

• Fundraising activities and events.

In addition to equipment needs, the Foundation plays a vital role in supporting ongoing education for the staff of the Albert County Community Health Centre, ultimately benefiting the patients they serve.  The Foundation also contributes to local community health care initiatives such as supporting the production of the Connecting Albert County newsletter, supporting youth sporting programs and equipment purchases, school breakfast programs and community wellness programs.

The Foundation thanks you for your support in making a difference for our Community Health Centre and in our community!  Your contributions help us continue to provide essential services and promote health and wellness for all.