The 30th annual Black Tie Bingo fundraiser in Guelph raised $464,000 in net proceeds on March 28, 2026, to support the expansion of the Guelph General Hospital Speedvale Campus. Held at the University of Guelph Event Centre and co-presented by Co-operators and Meridian Credit Union, the event brought community members together to help fund essential healthcare infrastructure.
The funds raised will specifically support the second phase of the new hospital campus, which includes the construction of the site’s first orthopedic fracture exam room. This expansion is currently planned for the spring of 2027 and will also introduce endoscopy services to the facility. These additions are part of a broader effort to increase access to outpatient care for residents across Guelph and Wellington County.
The Speedvale Campus, located at Conestoga College at 460 Speedvale Avenue West, opened its first phase on March 2, 2026. This diagnostic imaging centre has already seen high demand, completing 625 medical imaging procedures, such as X-rays and ultrasounds, in its first three weeks of operation. The development of this campus is entirely funded by community donations, with over 1,600 donors contributing more than $11 million to the project to date.
During the gala, long-time hospital volunteer Ruth Thatcher was presented with the Inspirational Philanthropist Award for her more than 50 years of service. Since the Black Tie Bingo event began in 1997, it has raised over $5.3 million for the Foundation of Guelph General Hospital, supporting the purchase of more than 100 pieces of patient care equipment.
