Hospital foundation takes lead in launching AI

The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation has announced it is the first healthcare organization in Canada, and only the second organization nationwide, to launch an artificial intelligence-powered virtual engagement officer.

Virtual engagement officer Emma “is designed to help supporters stay connected to the foundation and the impact of their generosity by sharing updates, answering questions and providing personalized opportunities to get involved in supporting local healthcare,” said a foundation media release.

The foundation has teamed up to launch the virtual engagement officer through Version2.ai, powered by Givzey.

“Our donors are at the heart of everything we do, and we are always looking for ways to make their experience with our foundation more personal, accessible and meaningful,” said foundation president and CEO Christine Mitchell, in the release.

“We are proud to be at the forefront of innovation in healthcare philanthropy, but what excites us most is what this can mean for our supporters,” she added. “Emma gives us another way to stay connected, share the impact donors are making and help people engage with our mission in ways that are relevant to them.”

Emma was introduced to an initial group of foundation donors this summer and will connect with supporters by email and text throughout the year, the foundation said.

“Through these one-to-one conversations, donors can receive updates from CKHAF, ask questions, learn more about the impact of community support and explore opportunities to become more involved,” the release said.

The initiative also aligns with the foundation’s new 2026-2031 Strategic Plan and its focus on strengthening donor stewardship and helping the community better understand the impact of its generosity, the release added.

Emily Groccia, vice-president of customer success and director with Version2.ai, said in the release that the company is thrilled to partner with the foundation as they become the first healthcare organization in Canada to introduce a virtual engagement officer.

Noting the foundation understands technology is “most powerful when it helps organizations build stronger human connections,” Groccia said, “Emma will provide another way for supporters to engage with the foundation in a personalized and accessible way, while helping CKHAF deepen the relationships that make its mission possible.”

People can meet Emma and learn more about the foundation’s virtual engagement officer online at www.ckhaf.ai.