We sat down with Carol Kan, daughter of Nelson and Elaine Kan, to talk about why her family chose to give back to North York General (NYG) with a generous gift toward the revitalization of the hospital’s Birthing Centre — the very place where both she and her brother were born.
We sat down with Carol Kan, daughter of Nelson and Elaine Kan, to talk about why her family chose to give back to North York General (NYG) with a generous gift toward the revitalization of the hospital’s Birthing Centre — the very place where both she and her brother were born.
“My parents immigrated to Canada from Hong Kong in 1991 — and shortly after, I was born at North York General (NYG). Two years later, so was my younger brother Ivan. We’ve called the North York community home ever since. It’s where my parents built a life, where we all still live today, and where we’ve always felt cared for. Giving back to North York General now feels like coming full circle.”
Recently, our family made the decision to pledge support to the revitalization of NYG’s Birthing Centre. It’s a space that quite literally shaped our beginnings — and now, we’re proud to play a small part in shaping its future.
The idea first came up casually over lunch. We were talking about the neighbourhood, as we often do, and NYG came up — the hospital that’s been right down the street our whole lives. The one we were born in. The one we still rely on. That sparked a bigger conversation about what it would mean to support a place that has always been there for us.
We reached out and learned about the hospital’s redevelopment plans — including major upgrades to the Birthing Centre and facilities for seniors. The timing just felt right. My parents were moved by how aligned the vision was with our own story: newcomers building a future in a community that welcomed them with open arms.
Recently, our family made the decision to pledge support to the revitalization of NYG’s Birthing Centre. It’s a space that quite literally shaped our beginnings — and now, we’re proud to play a small part in shaping its future.
The idea first came up casually over lunch. We were talking about the neighbourhood, as we often do, and NYG came up — the hospital that’s been right down the street our whole lives. The one we were born in. The one we still rely on. That sparked a bigger conversation about what it would mean to support a place that has always been there for us.
We reached out and learned about the hospital’s redevelopment plans — including major upgrades to the Birthing Centre and facilities for seniors. The timing just felt right. My parents were moved by how aligned the vision was with our own story: newcomers building a future in a community that welcomed them with open arms.
My mom still remembers the kindness and warmth she received as a young mother giving birth in a new country. She stayed at NYG for two days after I was born and always recalls how supportive and reassuring the nurses were. It gave her confidence at a time when everything was unfamiliar.
Our family doctor, Dr. Jonathan Carr, has been with us for over 30 years. His care hasn’t changed one bit — it’s always been thoughtful, consistent, and kind. I still remember going to his office as a child and getting a lollipop after each visit. He made going to the doctor feel safe. That kind of continuity and compassion matters more than people realize. It’s shaped how we view healthcare, and it’s a big part of why we’re giving back now.
If you’d told me years ago that I’d one day have the opportunity to support the very hospital I was born in, I don’t think I would’ve believed it. But we’re proud. We’re grateful. And we’re honoured to support a hospital that continues to serve our multicultural, tight-knit neighbourhood with excellence and heart.
This gift is for the next generation of families — especially those just starting out in a new place, like my parents once did. We hope it helps them feel as safe and supported as we did.”
Would you like to support patients and their families at North York General? Donate today to help fund our most urgent needs including upgraded equipment, enhanced care spaces and innovation across NYG:
