Toronto East Just Got $50 Million Stronger: Future Generations to Benefit from the Largest Donation to a Canadian Community Hospital

(December 2, 2015) TORONTO - Toronto East General Hospital and the Toronto East General Hospital Foundation Boards of Directors are thrilled to announce a historic $50 million gift that will transform the delivery of health care for some of the highest needs residents in Toronto.

This unprecedented donation – the largest of its kind to a Canadian community hospital- is a gift from Myron and Berna Garron in memory of their son Michael, who was born at the hospital in 1962. Sadly, Michael died at the age of 13 from a rare soft tissue cancer.

Thanks to this gift, we will be able to strengthen the exemplary care our staff provides at the bedside. And to recognize the enormity of this donation, we will rename ourselves the Toronto East Health Network and recognize this transformational gift by calling our main site the Michael Garron Hospital.

Our new name, the Toronto East Health Network (TEHN), accurately reflects the numerous partnerships and work we already do in and outside our hospital walls. The TEHN will improve the coordination of care for patients in the community through a partnership between the hospital and other local health care providers.

This $50 million gift from the Garrons will enable the hospital to:

• Purchase state-of-art equipment including a new CT scanner and leading-edge tools that directly supports the work of our health care professionals at the bedside.
• Attract top talent with the creation of the first teaching and research Chair positions.
• Fund research studies that drive clinical innovation to improve patient care.

The Garron Family has a long history of philanthropy in Canada. Over the years they have generously donated many large gifts. They have given to our hospital in the past, including funds to support the purchase of the Da Vinci Surgical System Robot.

“Before our son Michael passed away, we made a commitment to him that his memory would never be forgotten. It warms our heart to know that this gift will benefit so many families and children who use this hospital.” - Myron and Berna Garron.

“I’m extremely proud and thankful to the Garrons for this transformational gift. This is a defining moment for our hospital and East Toronto. This investment in equipment and talent will allow us to continue delivering outstanding care to our diverse community. ” - Sarah Downey, President & CEO, Toronto East General Hospital.

“Philanthropy plays an important role in our health system and today health care in East Toronto got a new name: the Michael Garron Hospital. With this generous support from the Garrons, we are able to fund much needed investments in patient care and innovation. Our hospital will be propelled to the global stage, making it an example of excellence, innovation and inspiration around the world.” - Michael Burns, Chair of the TEGH Foundation Board of Directors.

“This is a defining moment in the history of this hospital. This investment enables us to make East Toronto one of the healthiest places to live in Toronto. We’re grateful for the tremendous support from the Garron Family.” - Krystyna Hoeg, Chair of the TEGH Board of Directors.

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For more information:

Sharon Navarro

Corporate Communications | Toronto East General Hospital

416-303-5709 | @email