Event proceeds directed towards Osler redevelopment initiatives
BRAMPTON, Nov. 8, 2012 /CNW/ - World-class Grammy and Juno award-winning vocal legend Sarah McLachlan wowed a sold-out crowd and played for a cause on Saturday evening, headlining William Osler Health System (Osler) Foundation's signature event and biggest fundraiser of the year.
Over 800 donors, staff, supporters and friends of Osler filled the Rose Theatre in Brampton to capacity to listen to McLachlan's biggest hits and contribute to redevelopment projects across Osler's three sites - including the new Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness, the revitalization and renewal of Etobicoke General Hospital and ongoing equipment needs at Brampton Civic Hospital.
"I have been deeply moved by how the community, so clearly and with such pride, supports their hospitals and the safe and compassionate care that is being provided there," said Kay Blair, Chair, Osler Board of Directors. "Exceptional community support is a constant and enduring theme between Osler's past, the care provided today and the foundation of support that leads to a very bright future. With this support, Osler can continue on its journey to transform health care that changes lives."
The benefit concert raised $634,000, of which Osler hospitals will receive the net proceeds. In addition to ticket sales, funds were raised through a silent auction, 50/50 draw and the live auction of two guitars played and then signed by McLachlan. Both guitars sold for $10,000 each.
"Osler Foundation is so pleased that we were able to bring Sarah McLachlan to Brampton and to provide such a tremendous boost to Osler's exciting redevelopment and renewal projects," said Ken Mayhew, President and CEO, William Osler Health System Foundation. "Special thanks and congratulations must be paid to our sponsors and the Chairs of the event, Margaret Whitwell and Francesco Policaro, their fabulous committee and to the many dedicated volunteers who helped make the event such an inspiring and unforgettable evening for everyone who attended."
The event was presented by lead sponsor, Metrus Development Inc. Among the other corporate supporters were: Platinum Sponsor, Orlando Corporation; Gold Sponsor, Siemens; and Silver Sponsors, CIBC, RBC, Community Trust, Sterling Dental, Maritime-Ontario Freight Lines, Sonia Scarcello, Lois Rice, Northwest Lexus, Mentor College, Celgene and Borden Ladner Gervais LLP.
"At Metrus, we understand the importance of ensuring that our staff, business partners, clients and community have access to the best health care when they need it," said Darren Steedman, Vice President, Metrus Development Inc. "We are honoured to champion Osler as leaders in health care and innovators who are caring for people now, while building for a sustainable future."
The event concluded Osler's week-long milestone anniversary celebrations. During the concert, a special slideshow of photos was played on-stage while McLachlan performed her hit, 'Loving you is easy". The photos captured the making of 'art mosaic' pieces, which were completed in the weeks leading up to the celebrations and pieced together to form Osler Anniversary Mosaics - which were unveiled during Anniversary Week celebrations and then hung permanently in each hospital.
"We certainly have a lot to be thankful for when we consider our hospitals' tremendous legacies of care, our recent Exemplary Standing designation from Accreditation Canada, and a bright future with a number of exciting renewal and redevelopment projects across our hospital sites," said Matthew Anderson, President and CEO, William Osler Health System. "Our Foundation has organized a truly spectacular event this year and its staff should be commended for their hard work and dedication in making the evening a success. The opportunity to host world-class talent in Brampton while giving back to our hospitals is unprecedented and an experience we will not soon forget."
Photos from the Sarah McLachlan benefit concert can be viewed on the Osler Foundation website by going to: http://www.oslerfoundation.org.
ABOUT WILLIAM OSLER HEALTH SYSTEM: William Osler Health System is a fully accredited hospital system that serves 1.3 million residents of Brampton, Etobicoke, and surrounding communities of 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 Canada. William Osler Health System Foundation 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 Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health & Wellness (targeted for completion in 2015-16).
Image with caption: "Ken Mayhew, President and CEO of William Osler Health System Foundation (left) and Darren Steedman, Vice President, Metrus Development Inc. spend a few moments with Sarah McLachlan inside the Rose Theatre prior to her sold-out concert. (CNW Group/William Osler Health System Foundation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20121108_C6321_PHOTO_EN_20379.jpg
SOURCE: William Osler Health System Foundation
Cara Francis
External Communications Specialist
William Osler Health System
905-494-2120 ext. 59467
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