Dear Friends,
By the time you read this, I will be en route to the UK to see my (now) two grandchildren as the first stop on my retirement journey. For 13 years, North York General, its people, and the community who support it, have been a sanctuary of learning, collegiality, compassion, respect and love. I honestly can’t think of a more fitting place to wind up a 35 year career in the not-for-profit sector and I’m pleased to bring you my last report on some fantastic initiatives which drive the #NextNorthYorkGen!
The new Birthing Centre – a space for all families and communities
Last fall, I shared news of an exciting new project that will transform our aging Labour & Delivery and Post-Partum Units into a modern, integrated Birthing Centre. It will be Toronto’s first and only Birthing Centre designed for every family, and every community, in a space centered around sensitivity to family and cultural traditions. The project will create more private rooms, a warm and welcoming family lounge designed with a myriad of cultural considerations, and will offer a multitude of improvements to patient comfort, security, and privacy.
Recently, renowned architects Hariri Pontarini and NORR were retained to design the new Birthing Centre, bringing substantial expertise in health care projects that de- institutionalizing the feel of hospital environments. With these visionary architects supporting our exceptional doctors, midwives and nurses, there’s no doubt that this Birthing Centre will mark a new level of care in the city.
Fundraising for this critical project is underway, so please click here if you or your organization would like more details. There are lots of great ways to support and a variety of donor recognition and naming opportunities.
A larger Emergency Department coming in 2023!
In December 2020, we launched our ‘We Need More Space’ campaign, appealing to the community to support the much-needed expansion of our Charlotte & Lewis Steinberg Emergency. The project is 98% funded thanks to the generous support of our donors. Click here for more information and how to donate and help us reach our goal. The expansion will be completed in the late fall and include a larger Ambulatory Care Clinic and a new Mental Health Emergency Services Unit to provide a safe, dignified and private space for patients and families.
An endurance challenge unlike any other
Our Foundation has always been surrounded by such strong support from the community, and we know that this has fuelled transformation across the hospital. This March 3-5, our friends at The Maddie Project will be stepping up in a big way once again by taking on the gruelling 4x4x48 Push Your Limits Goggins Challenge. This means walking or running 4 miles every 4 hours for 48 hours with the goal of raising $100,000 for children and youth mental health at the hospital. Since I will have more time in the days ahead, I look forward to pushing myself to meet this challenge. And if you’re looking for a way to get your year off to a strong start, please consider joining. Check out more info at PushYourLimits.ca.
Well friends, perhaps I will see some of you at our Masters Golf Tournament, or our soon-to-be launched women in philanthropy initiative, or running with me at Rally in the Ravine in the fall. I know I will always support North York General in whatever way I can and this I have learned from you, our donor and leadership volunteer community.
There are so many wonderful staff at the foundation with Mark Heazle, our CFO, stepping in as Acting CEO. The search for the new CEO is underway and whomever takes on this role will have the honour of helping shape the next North York General with you, our incredible donors.
Thank you for everything you have done to support NYGH and by extension, the communities we serve. It has been my privilege to contribute to the health care sector.
Best from here with affection,
Terry Pursell
President & CEO
North York General Foundation
