Celebrating National Philanthropy Day
A Message of Thanks to the West Park Community
Today, as we celebrate Canada’s National Philanthropy Day, we are reflecting on the power of giving and the wellspring of generosity that has fueled UHN’s West Park for 120 years.
From our earliest beginnings, our hospital was built on a foundation of philanthropy. It 1904, it was the generosity of one man, Sir William Gage, who founded West Park through the gift of Buttonwood Farm to create a restful, healthy place for tuberculosis patients to recover.
Over the decades, as our programs and expertise expanded, so too did our donor community.
Today, we are a national leader in rehabilitation and complex continuing care and, with our new, leading-edge hospital building, are able to transform our services to better meet the needs of our patients, and an aging population.
It is an historic milestone for West Park, and one that was made possible through the generosity of our donors. Not one donor, as was the case 120 years ago, but thousands of donors who came together to be the cornerstone of our new building.
I’m proud to say that, with the support of our community, we have raised $31 million to date towards West Park’s bold transformation, which continues apace with the construction of outdoor therapeutic spaces.
Our donor community is varied, and their reasons for giving are often very different. Recently, we were delighted to celebrate with four donors as we unveiled the areas in the hospital that recognize their generosity and commitment to our patients:
Don Buchanan paid tribute to his late, long-time partner, Mary-Jean Deeth, by naming a resting alcove in her honour. This inviting space on the third floor is a cozy place for patients and visitors to gather, or rest as they walk through the hospital.
John Franklin is a former Foundation board member and was part of West Park’s Campus Development Committee when our new building was being planned, helping make our hospital the world-class facility that it is today. John and his wife Susan’s generous contribution to our capital campaign is being recognized through the Franklin Family Activities of Daily Living Kitchen.
The Kiwanis Club of Kingsway Humber showed their community spirit and commitment to West Park through two generous donations, which are being recognized with the Kiwanis Club of Kingsway Humber Piano Lounge and the Kiwanis Club of Kingsway Humber Children’s Play Area.
The Wyman-Steinsky Concourse and the Michael, Anna and John Reflection Area recognize the long volunteer service of former Foundation board chair Georgina Steinsky, and pay tribute to Georgina’s son and two grandchildren who died tragically in January 2021. Many generous members of the West Park community helped to make these special recognitions possible.
We are grateful for every single gift, and to have had the opportunity to thank these generous donors in person. There are many more of these special occasions to come, and we are looking forward to all of them.
On behalf of all the people who depend on West Park to help them recover, regain their independence and get their lives back, thank you for your continued support.
Doug Earle, CFRE
CEO, West Park Foundation
