ABOUT US

Buntain Foundation is a nonprofit organization bringing accessible healthcare and education to the community of Kolkata, India.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

CONTINUING THE LEGACY: We honor the legacy of our founders and the generations of caregivers who have served our community. We are steadfast in our commitment to maintaining the high standards of care and ethical values that have been the hallmark of our institution.

ACCESSIBLE HEALTHCARE: We are unwavering in our belief that quality healthcare is a fundamental human right. We work tirelessly to ensure that our Mercy Hospital remains accessible to all, regardless of socio-economic status, religion, age, or gender so that no one is left without the care they need.

COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT: We recognize that true impact goes beyond the hospital walls. We actively engage with our community to empower individuals with knowledge and resources, promoting physical and spiritual health at a grassroots level.

SUSTAINABILITY: We are dedicated to the long-term sustainability of Mercy Hospital. Through prudent
stewardship of resources, innovation in healthcare practices, and strategic partnerships, we ensure that
our legacy endures for generations to come.

COMPASSIONATE CARE: We believe in the healing power of compassion. Our dedicated staff, healthcare professionals and volunteers are driven by a deep empathy for the suffering and a commitment to providing holistic care that not only treats the body but also nurtures the spirit.

OUR HISTORY

In 1954, Mark and Huldah Buntain traveled from Canada to Kolkata, India on a 3 month journey by ship with their one year old daughter, Bonnie, in their arms. Their intention was to spend just one year in India serving the poor. What they found though was a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions. A commitment of one year of work turned into a lifetime of humble service.

“Everything changed for us when a man said: Preacher, first feed our bellies then tell us there is a God in heaven who loves us.” – Huldah Buntain

In 1989, after the sudden death of her husband, Mark Buntain, Huldah chose to stay in Kolkata and continue the vision and mission. In a country that was predominantly run by men, as a woman, Huldah exemplified the meaning of strong and courageous leadership.

About Us

Today, many of the hospital administration staff, doctors, nurses, and project leaders were students of the Buntain programs. As adults, they have taken on the compassionate care mantle and are expanding the Buntain legacy by making it their own.

About Us

Since the passing of Bonnie’s father, Mark Buntain in 1989, Jim and Bonnie Long have been extremely involved in the mission and the operations of Mercy Hospital.

The passion for caring for all people is deeply ingrained in Jim and Bonnie’s spirits. This compassion was born from their parents, Mark & Huldah Buntain and Jim & Velma Long, who dedicated their lives to serving the people of India and the Philippines.

Bonnie and Jim both followed the professional paths of healthcare. Bonnie became a registered nurse and Jim became a thoracic surgeon. Their combined compassionate upbringings and professional skills have uniquely made them invaluable partners to Mercy Hospital.

They are committed to continuing the Buntain legacy that her parents started over 65 years ago.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR Work VISIT OUR PROJECT PAGE