Transformational pledge is single largest gift to a community hospital in Canada
TORONTO, Nov. 22, 2014 /CNW/ - On Saturday evening, in front of hundreds of dignitaries and hospital donors and supporters, Phil King, President of Orlando Corporation announced his organization's pledge to donate up to $15 million to William Osler Health System's three hospital sites as part of a unique matching challenge gift.
The announcement was met with thunderous applause and took place just prior to the start of Osler Foundation's One Night *Two Stars* Three Hospitals Benefit Concert, presented by Metrus Development Inc., and headlined by Canadian superstars Tom Cochrane with Red Rider and Chantal Kreviazuk.
The transformational pledge is the single largest challenge match gift made to a community hospital in Canada - but it comes with a catch.
"This Canadian-first donation is a true game changer. It raises sights, transforms and inspires philanthropy within and outside of our hospitals. It challenges each and every one of us to do what we can to improve patient care in our community," said Ken Mayhew, Osler Foundation President and CEO. "To announce a challenge of this magnitude, in front of the donors, physicians and staff who are so devoted to our three hospitals is an incredible opportunity."
Fully realized, this challenge gift has the potential to generate $30 million and will kick-start Osler's $100 million multi-year capital campaign. Orlando Corporation will donate up to $5 million to support each of Osler's three sites: Brampton Civic Hospital; Etobicoke General Hospital; and the new Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness.
"Orlando Corporation has a long history of community support in both Etobicoke and Brampton and we're fully aware of the critical importance of the work done by Osler and the tremendous need to ensure these fine hospitals, physicians and staff have the resources needed to continue to provide excellent health care to all those who live and work in our communities," said Phil King, President, Orlando Corporation. "Funding health care is our shared responsibility and I believe everyone has a role to play. Health care cannot be supported through good intentions alone. This is why we are matching every dollar donated to the campaign."
Six hundred people were on hand at the Rose Theatre in Brampton to take in the Orlando Corporation announcement at Osler Foundation's Gala, where proceeds from the event will fund redevelopment projects and the latest generation of medical technology and diagnostic equipment needs across all three sites.
"We are privileged to be part of a community that is rich with kindness, generosity and passion for exceptional health care, so wonderfully demonstrated here this evening with this truly inspiring pledge by the Orlando Corporation," said Matthew Anderson, Osler President and CEO. "The impact of this partnership with Orlando will be permanent and profound from both a charitable and clinical perspective, and will go a long way in helping our hospitals provide even greater access to the services this growing community needs most, now and into the future."
ABOUT WILLIAM OSLER HEALTH SYSTEM AND FOUNDATION: William Osler Health System is a hospital system 'Accredited with Exemplary Standing' that serves 1.3 million residents of Brampton, Etobicoke, and surrounding communities within the Central West Local Health Integration Network. Osler's emergency departments are among the busiest in Ontario and its labour and delivery program is one of the largest in the province. William Osler Health System Foundation builds and fosters relationships in order to raise funds to support William Osler Health System's capital, education and research priorities at Brampton Civic Hospital, Etobicoke General Hospital and the new Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness.
ABOUT OSLER FOUNDATION'S BENEFIT CONCERT: Last year, more 800 donors, staff, supporters and friends of Osler filled the Rose Theatre in Brampton for an evening of entertainment headlined by Canadian legends Jann Arden and Burton Cummings, and contribute to redevelopment projects across Osler's three sites - including the new Peel Memorial, the revitalization and renewal of Etobicoke General and ongoing equipment needs at Brampton Civic. The benefit concert raised more than $650,000, including proceeds from the live auction of a painting created on stage by Arden and a flute used by Cummings while performing his hit 'Undun.' Details and photos are online at www.oslerfoundation.org.
Image with caption: "William Osler Health System (CNW Group/William Osler Health System Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141124_C9922_PHOTO_EN_43261.jpg
Image with caption: "Phil King's announcement was met with thunderous applause by a packed house at the Rose Theatre in Brampton. Orlando Corporation's stunning matching gift challenge is the single largest gift to a community hospital in Canada and has the potential to generate $30 million for Osler's three hospitals (CNW Group/William Osler Health System Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20141124_C9922_PHOTO_EN_43262.jpg
SOURCE: William Osler Health System Foundation
Cara Francis
Manager, Public Relations and Digital Communications
William Osler Health System
P: 905-494-2120 ext. 59467
[email protected]
Share this article