MARKHAM, Ont. — Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital on April 8 recognized the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville and Mayor Iain Lovatt for a $1 million contribution raised through a series of community fundraising events in support of the hospital.
At a recognition event held at the hospital, Oak Valley Health and the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation unveiled the Mayor Iain Lovatt & The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville Seating Area, located near the hospital’s main staircase, where the Foundation’s Spiral of Sharing and Heritage Wall are displayed.
According to the hospital, the contribution will support the purchase of new equipment and other priority needs at Markham Stouffville Hospital.
The funds were raised through community initiatives led by Lovatt, including All Night Lawn, Mayor Lovatt’s Charity Golf Classic, Stouffville Gala, and Stouffville Main Street 5K, according to organizers.
Lovatt, the current mayor of Whitchurch-Stouffville, is also serving as co-chair of the Campaign for MSH alongside Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. The campaign is seeking to raise $150 million to help transform the hospital into an integrated health-care hub serving a fast-growing region.
“This recognition is a tremendous honour for our entire community,” Lovatt said in a statement released by the organizers. He said the contribution reflected the efforts of residents, donors, volunteers and community partners, and would help support access to equipment and care for patients and families.
Sunny Bains, chief administrative officer for the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville, said the recognition reflected the commitment of town staff and the community’s support for local causes.
Mark Fam, president and CEO of Oak Valley Health, said demand for hospital programs and services continues to grow as the region’s population expands, and that community donations help support service expansion, patient experience and urgent priorities.
Suzette Strong, CEO of the Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation, said government funding does not cover all of the hospital’s priority needs and that donor support remains important as the hospital responds to increasing demand for care.
The recognition space will serve as a permanent tribute to the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville’s fundraising support and the broader role of community giving in local health care, organizers said.（LJI by Rita）
