Manulife and Kitchener-Waterloo residents raise $695,565 to support St. Mary's General Hospital healthcare heroes responding to COVID-19 crisis

WATERLOO, ON, June 4, 2020 /CNW/ - COVID-19 has placed unprecedented pressure on St. Mary's General Hospital. It has created a difficult reality for the hardworking frontline staff committed to providing lifesaving care for those in need. Thanks to residents in Waterloo Region, and the generous Manulife donation match program, more than $695,565 has been raised for St. Mary's.

Funds raised are providing personal protective equipment and resources required to continue responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Throughout this challenging time, our top priority remains the health and safety of our employees, customers and communities," said Mike Doughty, President and CEO, Manulife Canada. "As a long-standing supporter of St. Mary's General Hospital, I'm proud we're able to help ensure our dedicated healthcare heroes have the resources they need so they can continue to help and heal the community."

Manulife is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic throughout Canada in addition to its support for St. Mary's Hospital. Manulife has donated $1 million to food banks across the country – including in the Waterloo region – to help with supply and distribution over both the short and long term, as well as support for frontline healthcare/essential workers. It is also matching employee donations to Canadian charitable organizations addressing the social and economic impacts of the pandemic.

"The selflessness and generosity demonstrated by our community during this challenging time is admirable, but certainly not surprising.  Time and again, residents of this region have stepped up in partnership with St. Mary's to ensure our staff and physicians can safely provide urgent care for their loved ones and neighbours. We've never needed this support more than now, and we just can't thank you enough," says Susan Dusick, President, St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation.

As the referral centre for specialized respiratory and thoracic disease in Waterloo Region, St. Mary's has experienced intense pressure during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this crisis continues to present a difficult reality for the hardworking frontline staff.  Despite the inherent risk to themselves and their families, the frontline staff of St. Mary's remain committed to providing lifesaving care for those in need. 

In addition to the funds received, Waterloo Region residents have shared words of thanks and gifts continue to arrive each day to share support for St. Mary's frontline team.

"Hundreds of kind messages now decorate the main hallway at St. Mary's, reminding our team that they are not alone in this challenging time.  It's great to see the smiles these bring to their faces.  Sometimes that's what is needed most during a tough day," said Lee Fairclough, President, St. Mary's General Hospital. "I am touched by the generous display of financial and emotional support that has been demonstrated by this community and Manulife. Both are so important and contribute greatly to our ability to respond to the COVID-19 crisis."

For more information or to donate to St. Mary's COVID-19 fund, visit www.supportstmarys.ca/COVID.

About St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation

St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enhancing patient care at St. Mary's General Hospital, through the funding of vital equipment and programs. In addition to larger capital projects, St. Mary's General Hospital relies upon the Foundation to provide the necessary funds each year to cover costs related to on-going replacement and enhancement of standard equipment, which is not covered by Government funding.

SOURCE St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation

Media Contacts: Susan Dusick, President & CEO, St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation, T: 519-749-6539 x1514; C: 519-591-5872, [email protected]; Amy Hazelwood, Director of Communications, St. Mary's General Hospital Foundation, C : 226-929-0235, [email protected]; Shabeen Hanifa, Manulife, 416-697-7684, [email protected]