March 27, 2026

Mark Tamminga and Joany Verschuuren’s Quiet & Thoughtful Philanthropy is Helping to Build a New Kidney Care Clinic at St. Joe’s

Mark Tamminga and Joany Verschuuren share a love of all things outdoorsy, fast, and fitness‑focused. They’re trail runners, avid cyclists, and enthusiastic members of their crossfit community at Alchemy. Their boundless energy and willingness to take on any challenge shows up in their philanthropy, too. Over the past several years, the couple has quietly directed their support across the greater Hamilton region, often choosing projects that are essential, yet challenging to fund.

“We’re the people who buy the Charlie Brown tree at Christmas,” Joany says with a smile, offering a fitting analogy for their giving philosophy. “It’s not easy to raise funds for a new scissor-lift in a long‑term care home or a pneumatic door at a food bank. That’s why we want to help where we can. Often, it’s the smaller things that make a big difference in the day‑to‑day operations of a charity.”

To date, their support for conservation efforts, affordable housing initiatives, and organizations like Food 4 Kids, Margaret’s Place, Ancaster Memorial Arts Centre and The Westdale Theatre has largely flown under the radar. By sharing their story, they hope to encourage others to experience the satisfaction of charitable giving.

“While we’d prefer not to be in the spotlight, if sharing our decision to give and our reasons why can act as a small pebble that releases a landslide of support for our community, then it will have been worthwhile,” Mark explains.

In October 2025, the couple made a $100,000 donation to St. Joe’s, followed by an additional $25,000 gift during the fund‑a‑need portion of the 28th annual St. Joe’s Gala the very next month. Both contributions are dedicated to renovating the Nephrology and Kidney Transplant Clinic.

“When we learned about this clinic renovation, we knew that for some, it may not seem as exciting as something like robotic surgery or funding an MRI,” Mark says. “But it’s a project that would mean a lot to the patients who come to St. Joe’s for kidney care—often for the majority of their lives. If we can make their care experience a little better, then we wanted to do that.”

Their support for St. Joe’s is rooted in a long history of connection, beginning with Mark’s friendship with his mentor and fellow retired partner and lawyer from the local firm, Gowling WLG, William J. (Bill) Walker. Bill, a former Chair of the Board of Directors at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Foundation, often invited Mark and Joany to the St. Joe’s Gala and shared why the Hospital’s 136‑year legacy of care meant so much to him.

Over the years, Mark and Joany have also received care at St. Joe’s – from visits to the Emergency Department to routine scans and tests in Diagnostic Imaging. Each experience left them feeling grateful for the skill and compassion of the staff. Through their giving, they’ve also built meaningful relationships with the Foundation’s leadership team who have made them feel like part of the St. Joe’s family.

“Both our care and giving interactions with St. Joe’s have been remarkably positive, and it’s left us with a feeling of great trust in the organization,” Joany says. “We know that our giving isn’t transactional. It’s filled with warm thanks and opportunities to see the impact of our gifts in real time. We have a shared commitment to building a healthier Hamilton, together.”

Beyond their financial support, Joany volunteers at Margaret’s Place hospice, a member of St. Joseph’s Health System, providing compassionate support with a terrific team of fellow volunteers. She also volunteers at St. Joe’s Villa pedaling a two‑person trishaw around the grounds—giving LTC residents & Adult Day program clients a joyful outing.

Mark and Joany credit their families and humble beginnings for shaping their desire to give back. Joany grew up the daughter of hard‑working agricultural farmers, while Mark’s father was a minister. “Quite honestly, we didn’t know we’d ever find ourselves in the position to give back in this way,” Mark reflects. “Since we are able, we must default to generosity. It’s incumbent upon us, and we hope that others who find themselves in a similar situation consider doing the same.”