GRAVENHURST COUPLE DONATES $2 MILLION TO SMM HOSPITAL
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
BRACEBRIDGE — Here’s a switch for you.
While many aging seniors leave small towns to be closer to big city hospitals, a Gravenhurst couple has done the opposite.
And to show their love and appreciation of local health care, Bary and Brenda Gray have donated $2 million to the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation (SMHF).
It’s the largest single donation from a living donor in hospital history, says foundation executive director Colin Miller in a release this morning, Sept. 17.
The money will be used to renovate and purchase new ultrasound and radiology equipment for the diagnostic imaging department at Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare’s (MAHC) Bracebridge hospital site.
In recognition of their “extraordinary gift,” Miller says SMMH will rename theimaging department in their honour.
The Grays built a home in Gravenhurst in 2009 and used it seasonally for 10 years.
In 2019, they sold their home in Aurora and moved to Gravenhurst year-round.
The convincing factor that inspired them to make their significant donation was when Bary twice required visits to the emergency department.
And the Grays were overwhelmed by the excellence of the care and attention he received, alleviating any doubts regarding access to the same quality of health care they had received in the city.
“I am now under the excellent care of Dr. Tony Cipriani,” says Bary.
“Along with the rest of the health care team at the hospital, we really feel we couldn’t be in better hands.
“Quality health care and a well-equipped hospital are so important to a community,” adds
Brenda. “We feel very fortunate to be in the position to show our gratitude in this way.”
Miller said he was “delighted to accept the Grays’ generous gift.
“Many people don’t realize how important donors are to the range of services a community hospital can offer.
“The Grays’ generosity will benefit the South Muskoka community for many years to come.”
The province also just announced yesterday that it is providing MAHC with more than $1 million in infrastructure and COVID-10 related funding.
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September 17, 2020 @ 4:30 pm
Thank you Bary and Brenda. How generous of you to the benefit of SMMH and the thousands of residents and visiting citizens who use this great hospital. A wonderful couple who I have known for over 10 years.