William Osler Health System Foundation (Osler Foundation) has met its $2.5 million fundraising goal in support of William Osler Health System (Osler) and its response to COVID-19. Osler’s staff and physicians—our community’s Health Care Heroes— are continuing to care for all those who need them, through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

As Osler hospitals begin to resume operations in a phased approach, critical pieces of equipment are needed to help meet the demand created by the health crisis.

Osler Foundation has set out to raise an additional $2.5 million (total of $5 million) through its Health Care Heroes campaign to help purchase essential equipment, like ventilators, vital signs monitors, vein finders, stretchers, wheelchairs and electric beds.

“It’s a fact that 80% of the care we receive in our lifetime will be at our community hospital, and never before has it been more important to have exemplary health care available close to home,” said Ken Mayhew, President & CEO, Osler Foundation. “The reality is, this pandemic will be here with us for some time. Day in and day out, our health care heroes are working to ensure our families, and our communities have access to the care we need when we need it most. It’s up to all of us to support our physicians and staff to ensure they have the equipment they need to continue delivering quality health care. We are grateful to those who have stepped forward and generously donated.”

To help mobilize the community behind this new fundraising goal, Armour Insurance Brokers Ltd. will generously match new donations—dollar for dollar—up to $500,000. Donations made to the campaign will fund essential pieces of equipment at Osler’s Brampton Civic Hospital, Etobicoke General Hospital and Peel Memorial Centre for Integrated Health and Wellness.

“We are going through the toughest time in 100 years. The only way our health system can survive is to have enough funds for equipment, education and facilities,” says Sukhdeep Kang, CEO, Armour Insurance Brokers Ltd. “When we need it, we all receive the best services from our hospitals. Our frontline workers have always been there for us—including in the face of life-threatening challenges like COVID-19. Our hospitals need funds, and we must support them. Contributing even a small amount will help to enhance the services for all of us.”

The original $2.5 million goal was met thanks to the incredible support from more than 3,500 donors. A special thank-you goes out to Martha Rogers, Chair, the Rogers Foundation, Sajjad Ebrahim and to Osler Foundation Board member Steve Robinson, whose matching gifts helped inspire the community to donate in support of Osler.

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