Donor Stories
| GNGH Foundation 5546 Portage Road Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6X2 T: 905-358-4900 E: gnghfoundation@niagarahealth.on.ca |
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I have always been enthralled with the radio
series titled, "The Rest of the Story" with
commentator Paul Harvey. In this edition of our
Foundation newsletter, I would like to share with
you the rest of the story about the Griffiths family.
Most Niagara residents are aware that in 1970,
Peter Griffiths (son of Judge Franklyn and his wife
Alda Griffiths) suffered serious brain and spinal
injuries as the result of a tragic airplane accident.
For 38 years Peter was confined to a bed at the
to speak. Judge Griffiths had established a trust
to provide for Peter's care for as long as he lived.
Peter passed away a the hospital in September
2008.
What most people do not know is the rest of the
story! In his will, Judge Griffiths stipulated that
funds remaining in the trust be directed to the
GNGH Foundation following Peter's death and
that the funds be used "for construction or
support of a facility for chronically ill patients."
The estate has contribute a very substantial gift to
the GNGH Foundation. In keeping with the wishes
of the Griffiths family, the GNGH Foundation
Board has approved the expenditure of almost
$600,000 for upgrades and new equipment for
the Trillium Unit at our hospital -- improvements
that will immediately and directly enhance the
quality of care we can provide for our chronically
ill patients.
The GNGHF Board has invested the balance of
the monies from the estate so that a steady flow
of funds will be created to meet future needs in
this area in perpetuity.
The love of a father and mother for their son will
live on in a remarkable way by providing better
care for our community for years to come. And,
now you know the Rest of the Story.
series titled, "The Rest of the Story" with
commentator Paul Harvey. In this edition of our
Foundation newsletter, I would like to share with
you the rest of the story about the Griffiths family.
Most Niagara residents are aware that in 1970,
Peter Griffiths (son of Judge Franklyn and his wife
Alda Griffiths) suffered serious brain and spinal
injuries as the result of a tragic airplane accident.
For 38 years Peter was confined to a bed at the
to speak. Judge Griffiths had established a trust
to provide for Peter's care for as long as he lived.
Peter passed away a the hospital in September
2008.
What most people do not know is the rest of the
story! In his will, Judge Griffiths stipulated that
funds remaining in the trust be directed to the
GNGH Foundation following Peter's death and
that the funds be used "for construction or
support of a facility for chronically ill patients."
The estate has contribute a very substantial gift to
the GNGH Foundation. In keeping with the wishes
of the Griffiths family, the GNGH Foundation
Board has approved the expenditure of almost
$600,000 for upgrades and new equipment for
the Trillium Unit at our hospital -- improvements
that will immediately and directly enhance the
quality of care we can provide for our chronically
ill patients.
The GNGHF Board has invested the balance of
the monies from the estate so that a steady flow
of funds will be created to meet future needs in
this area in perpetuity.
The love of a father and mother for their son will
live on in a remarkable way by providing better
care for our community for years to come. And,
now you know the Rest of the Story.
| A Tragic Event |
| - a Remarkable Story of Giving - |
| Stories from Donors to the GNGH Foundation |
| Celebrating the Start of a New Life Together |
Debbie and Darryl were planning their
wedding and wanted to celebrate their love by
making an impact on their community. Rather
than give away guest favours at the reception
Debbie and Darryl decided to make a
difference by making a donation to the
GNGH Foundation.
Special cards from the GNGH Foundation
announcing their gift were placed on the guest
tables at the reception letting friends and
family know of their commitment to improving
the lives of people in the community.
their new life together -- one that demonstrates
a willingness to help others. Congratulations!
wedding and wanted to celebrate their love by
making an impact on their community. Rather
than give away guest favours at the reception
Debbie and Darryl decided to make a
difference by making a donation to the
GNGH Foundation.
Special cards from the GNGH Foundation
announcing their gift were placed on the guest
tables at the reception letting friends and
family know of their commitment to improving
the lives of people in the community.
their new life together -- one that demonstrates
a willingness to help others. Congratulations!
| June 25, 2009 Griffiths Family honoured for generous contribution to Trillium Unit. To see photos from the celebration, click here. |
| Reprinted from GNGH Foundation newsletter -- the Monitor; Spring 2009 |
| Remembering those who make a difference Mary F. Rowley enjoyed life, respected her community and wanted to pay tribute to those who meant the most to her. A long-time supporter of the GNGH Foundation, Mary often preferred anonymity when making her gifts. On more than one occasion Mary made generous contributions by transferring ownership of stocks, which she and her husband James had purchased, to the Foundation to be used at the discretion of the Foundation Board of Directors. Mary spent most of her working career as the Administrator to the Big Sisters Association of Hamilton. In 1978 Mary “retired” from the Big Sisters to join her husband in their family business – Nu-Vend, a St. Catharines-based vending machine company. By the late 1980’s the business was a success and had grown, but due to James’ health the couple decided it was time to sell and to take life a bit slower. |
| Honouring A Community Volunteer Marjorie Knapp (nee Owens) was a longtime resident of Niagara Falls. The legacy she leaves her community is a gift that will be used to help save the lives of women (and men) in her community. The portion of her estate allocated to the GNGH Foundation will go towards the purchase of a MRI Breast Coil. This is the second unit of this type for the Niagara Region – the first being installed at St. Catharines General this past summer. MRI machines that have this specific Breast Coil component have been credited with early detection of breast cancer that has been missed by mammography and clinical examination. Marjorie began her career as a nurse, first graduating from the Greater Niagara General Hospital Training School for Nurses in 1942. Working for a short time at the hospital Marjorie eventually moved to a position at the First Aid Station at Carborundum Canada, where she met her husband Allen (Gus) Knapp. After the two were married, Marjorie spent time volunteering with the Red Cross and Cancer Society. Gus and Marjorie were members of the Lundy’s Lane United Church, the Niagara Falls Curling Club and were active volunteers in their community. In 2006 Marjorie moved to the retirement lifestyle of Queenston Place. She passed away in September of 2008. Marjorie’s gift to her community is a fitting tribute to a nurse and community volunteer. |
In their spare time and during retirement the couple enjoyed buying and restoring antique boats. They
belonged to the Antique & Classic Boat Society and their restored boats won many prizes over the years.
James received end-of-life care at the GNGH and passed away in 1992 . Mary continued to live in Niagara
Falls until 1999 when she returned to her home town of Hamilton. During her later years Mary inherited
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels after her sister died – they became her passion. She also discovered an
enthusiasm for travel. Among her excursions Mary took a four month round-the-world cruise with her
nephew, she traveled to Africa for a Safari Tour and did some bird watching in England.
Mary was grateful for the care her sister and husband received at the GNGH. In her will she remembered
the GNGH Foundation by making a gift of $100,000. This money will be used to purchase life-saving
equipment at the Greater Niagara General.
Mary’s commitment to community was also shown through donations to other charities that had an impact
on the lives of people she loved. In the true spirit of philanthropy and as a final gesture to the community,
Mary donated her body to the School of Anatomy at McMaster University’s Medical School.
belonged to the Antique & Classic Boat Society and their restored boats won many prizes over the years.
James received end-of-life care at the GNGH and passed away in 1992 . Mary continued to live in Niagara
Falls until 1999 when she returned to her home town of Hamilton. During her later years Mary inherited
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels after her sister died – they became her passion. She also discovered an
enthusiasm for travel. Among her excursions Mary took a four month round-the-world cruise with her
nephew, she traveled to Africa for a Safari Tour and did some bird watching in England.
Mary was grateful for the care her sister and husband received at the GNGH. In her will she remembered
the GNGH Foundation by making a gift of $100,000. This money will be used to purchase life-saving
equipment at the Greater Niagara General.
Mary’s commitment to community was also shown through donations to other charities that had an impact
on the lives of people she loved. In the true spirit of philanthropy and as a final gesture to the community,
Mary donated her body to the School of Anatomy at McMaster University’s Medical School.
| Years later Bill’s upholstering ability was being recognized by many high profile families and his work can be still be found in prestigious homes throughout Canada and the United States today. His skills were even brought to the attention of the Sheraton Brock Hotel who used him to upholster the Royal Suite in preparation of the royal visit of King George V and Queen Elizabeth. He later made the kneeling pillows for the (at that time) Princess Elizabeth and her husband Prince Phillip who worshiped at Christ Church on River Road during their royal tour of the area in 1951. “It wasn’t because I was anything special,” was his modest response to the high profile pieces, “it just happened.” Bill and his wife Alma continued their modest and humble lifestyle living in the same family home for 47 years until Alma’s passing in 2005. Moving to Cavendish Manor, Bill’s enthusiasm for creativity continued as his passion turned to baking and dancing. According to Janice Amos, General Manager at Cavendish Manor, “Bill had a wonderful sense of humour, he was a true gentleman.” Although the details are not known, both Alma and Bill were recipients of care at the Greater Niagara General site. The care he and Alma received was always appreciated and he was quick to share his feelings about the staff. As a tribute to that care, the couple made provisions for each other in their wills, with the remainder of their estate coming to the GNGH Foundation to ensure equipment is purchased on behalf of the hospital in Niagara Falls. Bill passed away in March 2008. Today their gift to the Foundation exceeds $320,000 and will go towards the purchase of a new cardiac ultrasound machine and two ventilators that will be used in the Intensive Care Unit at the GNG site. These ventilators are used for patients who are critical and cannot breathe on their own -- relying on the machine to breathe for them. From modest beginnings, Bill and Alma Patrick are helping care for some of our most vulnerable patients in Niagara Falls. |
| A life of modesty leaves a generous legacy to the GNGH Foundation. |
During the depression
William (Bill) Patrick left
school in his second year
at Niagara Falls Collegiate
Vocational Institute and
began his job search.
Work was scarce but he
managed to get a job as
an apprentice to master
upholsterer, Norman
Bailey, earning a living at
$3 per week.
William (Bill) Patrick left
school in his second year
at Niagara Falls Collegiate
Vocational Institute and
began his job search.
Work was scarce but he
managed to get a job as
an apprentice to master
upholsterer, Norman
Bailey, earning a living at
$3 per week.
| charitable giving. After a 12 year commitment as a member of the GNGH Board of Governors, including two years as Chairman and two years as supporting the GNGH Foundation with a legacy gift using a whole life insurance policy and named the Foundation as the irrevocable beneficiary. He transferred ownership of the policy to the GNGH Foundation and makes yearly premium payments to maintain the policy. In return the Foundation generates a charitable tax receipt for his annual premium contribution which he then uses to help offset taxes due Revenue Canada Agency. Every year the policy grows in value which means his original gift over the years has become even more significant – something for which he takes great pride. He has a message that comes from his own experience for younger adults who are considering a planned gift but have yet to do it. “My only regret. . . I wish I had purchased the policy 20 or 30 years earlier, with lower premiums at a younger age would have provided benefits that are even greater.” Looking to the future, Mr. Bruce has decided to let the Foundation direct how his gift will be used, “They know what’s needed more than I do and I trust their decision will do the most good for the hospital.” |
| Heritage Society The GNGH Foundation Heritage Society has been developed as a way of acknowledging a very special group of donors who have committed to the long-term support of healthcare in Niagara Falls. The healthcare in Niagara Falls for future generations. To become a member of the Heritage Society all you need to do is notify us directly that you intend to list the GNGH Foundation as a beneficiary in your will, life insurance policy, trusts, or registered retirement plan. The goal of the Heritage Society is to acknowledge and thank members of the community who support the GNGH Foundation. We would like the opportunity to do this in person and to give you the recognition you deserve for making your special commitment to the hospital. We also want to ensure we know how you want your gift used and for you to see the good work that your gift is doing by showing you exactly how your money will help improve the quality of healthcare in Niagara. |
| Enhance Your Giving Power |
| suggestions about Planned Giving opportunities or for ways that you can help support the GNGH Foundation please call Michael Somerville at 905-358-4900 or email him at michael.somerville@niagarahealth.on.ca. |
with a long history with the
Greater Niagara General
Hospital not only “talks the
talk” he also “walks the
walk” when it comes to
Greater Niagara General
Hospital not only “talks the
talk” he also “walks the
walk” when it comes to