By: Rena Scheffer
beingwell magazine Spring 2007

The generosity of our community, the heartfelt desire to ensure that Southlake is all it can be and more, never ceases to move and inspire us at the Southlake Regional Health Centre Foundation. From volunteers who so generously donate countless hours and limitless energy, to community event organizers who spend long months planning that special event that will bring in every possible dollar to support Southlake, to the donors who respond so generously when we ask we are reminded every day how fortunate we are to be a part of this very special community.

With the announcement last December by the Honourable George Smitherman, Ontario minister of health and long-term care, that construction of the Regional Cancer Centre at Southlake could proceed, the energy level to support this critical initiative has grown exponentially. In all corners of our region, from all sectors of our community, the desire to help is evident.

In just the last few months, Sparkle Pharmacy, McDonalds and Walmart stores in this region launched campaigns to support the work of Southlake. The Weiss family of Newmarket lit up the December skies with a wonderful display of Christmas lights to raise funds for Southlake. The Chilly Willy Golf Tournament held in Claremont saw players brave the cold temperatures at its second winter golf tournament in support of the cancer centre. The organizers vow that they’ll keep playing winter golf until we don’t need them anymore. The event organizers of the very special Mardi Gras 2007 threw a wildly successful event in February because they want cancer care close to home and they want to help make that happen.   

Support for Southlake also came from a wonderful group of newcomers to Canada. For the second year, Miko and Larry Duncan organized a Christmas party for the many Japanese families who have settled in this area, while working at the Honda plant in Alliston.  Mrs. Duncan, a translator, helps Japanese families find the resources they need in the community. These families have chosen to support Southlake and the funds they raise through the Christmas party are then generously matched by the Duncans.   

Support indeed comes from all places, some very close to home:  in mid-December, we announced the results of the Southlake Family Campaign to build the cancer centre, in which 100 per cent of all hospital departments made a contribution, a feat accomplished by only a handful of Canadian hospitals.  

Although participation for this campaign was the goal, the total funds raised must be showcased:  A record breaking $1,048,776 was contributed by the Southlake Family, a truly amazing achievement. The Southlake Family — physicians, staff and volunteers — already give  so much every day as reflected in Southlake’s reputation for the compassionate and individualized care our patients and their families receive — to receive their further support is energizing.  In keeping with the foundation’s Donor Recognition and Stewardship Policy, a special area within the cancer centre will be named to honour the contribution of the Southlake Family.

Space prohibits us from naming all the events that occurred recently but we are truly overwhelmed by the spirit that drives Southlake supporters.

Finally, from time to time, we will bring you emerging information about what’s new in charitable giving to ensure that your giving decisions are well-informed and maximize the benefits to both you and your charity of choice.  

You may be interested to know that many Canadian companies have a matching gift plan and will match your gift up to a certain amount. It’s a way for you to double the impact of your gift.  Employees should contact their human resources department to see if they already participate in this plan or encourage them to do so.  A partial list of participating companies can be found at www.prostatecancer.ca/english/ways/matching

Next issue, we’ll bring you information about making donations online including addressing issues of security and cost-effectiveness.

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