Meet Debbie Sangster: Our 2025 Paul Wentzell Community Builder Award Winner
Each year, the Chalmers Foundation hands out the Paul Wentzell Community Builder Award to an individual who exemplifies community spirit, generosity and dedication. This year’s recipient is the one and only, Debbie Sangster.
A Lifelong Passion for Helping Others
Debbie has spent the last 27 years fundraising for healthcare in her community and has raised a spectacular $275,000 for the Chalmers Foundation. She has put in countless days to help support hospital initiatives and patient care. Her journey started with a petition in support of a kidney dialysis unit at the DECRH.
““I love raising the money for the [DECRH] because my family, my friends, you, we’ve all used the hospital.””
Debbie has been involved with events in support of the Foundation for decades. She has been there through Hospathons, up to the 2025 Radiothon. Her dedication to make change in her community has not gone anywhere through the years. To this day she is still hosting 50/50 raffles and getting sponsors from local businesses.
Debbie’s Impact
Debbie knows exactly how important medical equipment in the community can be. If it weren’t for some of the equipment that Debbie herself helped fundraise for, her great niece would not have been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic lymphoma and gotten the specialized care she needs.
“We all need what our hospital has. And if we don't help to raise the funds then how do we get the equipment that we need for our patients?”
Stories like this are a powerful reminder that every dollar raised can lead to a life-changing outcome for someone in our community or for yourself.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Community Builders
"If you want to do something to make a difference in your life and the life of other people, volunteer your time. Get out there and raise some funds!"
Debbie's decades of fundraising are just a part of her impact. One day, she hopes someone will look at her legacy and say, “Gee, I want to do what Debbie has done.”
You can help make a difference in the community just as Debbie has. Whether it’s going door to door, making a personal donation, or organizing a third-party fundraiser, everyone can play a part in supporting their local hospital.
Because, as Debbie put it: "We all need what our hospital has."