Heather Jones joined First Stage Enterprises in 2010 and began supporting the Registered Nurses’ Foundation of Ontario in 2011. From the beginning, she brought exceptional creativity, insight, and commitment to the role. Coming from a nursing family, she deeply understood the profession and RNFOO’s mission, strengthening the Foundation’s support for nurses across Ontario. Heather viewed the Annual Gala not simply as a fundraiser, but as a celebration of nursing excellence. She worked tirelessly to secure complimentary tickets for award recipients, ensuring financial barriers never prevented nurses from participating and feeling honoured and valued.

Recognizing the challenges associated with raffle fundraising, Heather developed the innovative Donor Challenge, which generated thousands of dollars through random donor draws while maintaining integrity and sustainability. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she also helped transition the Gala to a successful virtual format with an online auction, demonstrating adaptability and strong leadership.

Heather led the implementation of a new online awards application system, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accessibility. She expanded and organized the reviewer pool, pairing new reviewers with experienced mentors while safeguarding impartiality. Her leadership fostered deeper engagement, with several reviewers later joining the Board.

Her contributions also extended to governance and donor relations. She supported Board onboarding, maintained compliant documentation, and cultivated meaningful donor relationships that strengthened the Foundation’s sustainability and growth.

What makes Heather’s contribution especially remarkable is that she is not a nurse herself. Despite this, she earned the trust and admiration of the nursing community through her dedication, compassion, and unwavering support for the profession.

Maria shares this personal reflection:

“When I joined the RNFOO Board four years ago, Heather immediately made me feel welcomed and supported. I experienced this again when the Palliative Care Nurses Interest Group established new scholarships with RNFOO. Heather guided us with patience, clarity, and enthusiasm, ensuring the awards would meaningfully support future nurses. Her dedication consistently extended beyond standard working hours, and her passion, professionalism, and commitment have left a lasting legacy. Heather Jones exemplifies exceptional service, sustained commitment, and transformative impact on nursing in Ontario, making her an exceptionally deserving candidate for this honour.”