Equitable Life of Canada donates $4.6 million to support health care in Waterloo Region

KITCHENER, ON, May 7, 2020 /CNW/ - Grand River Hospital Foundation is honoured to announce a gift from Equitable Life of Canada for a total of $4.6 million. The donation will support two important health campaigns:

• $4.5 million to purchase a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner for Grand River Hospital; and
• $100,000 towards Region Ready which helps Waterloo Region's hospitals respond to COVID-19.

"We are incredibly grateful for Equitable Life's generous donation to support health care in Waterloo Region," said Ron Gagnon, President and CEO, Grand River Hospital. "In addition to ensuring that our hospitals are well equipped to respond to COVID-19 demands, Equitable Life has also made a significant contribution to health care that will benefit Waterloo Region residents for years to come."

Equitable's contribution to the MRI scanner is among the top five donations ever received by Grand River Hospital Foundation. The hospital's current MRI scanner was installed in 2003 and this donation towards a new one will allow the hospital to improve its imaging services for a growing community.

"For 100 years, we've been protecting what matters most to Canadians," said Ronald Beettam, President and CEO, Equitable Life of Canada. "The advanced technology of medical imaging plays a vital role in quickly and accurately diagnosing very urgent medical conditions, and this saves lives. In honour of our 100^th Anniversary, Equitable Life is proud to be able to help Grand River Hospital add this crucial resource to our health care system. We expect this will have a lasting impact on improving the quality of life in Waterloo Region."

In addition to the milestone donation in honour of the company's 100th anniversary, the Waterloo-based company also stepped up to help hospitals respond to COVID-19.

"To receive a donation like this right now is truly remarkable," said Paul McIntyre Royston, President and CEO, Grand River Hospital Foundation. "This highlights how much Equitable cares. It's a gift to the hospital and a gift to the community."

"This incredible donation by Equitable Life demonstrates the enormous generosity and collaboration that exists here in Waterloo Region," said Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris. "In partnership with the Ontario government, this contribution will ensure that Grand River Hospital continues to provide high-quality care to local residents."

Kitchener South—Hespeler MPP Amy Fee said, "It is great to see the Ontario Spirit alive and well, especially during these challenging times. This act of generosity is one that shows the tremendous commitment from Equitable Life of Canada to our community members. It will go a long way in supporting our area residents and builds on our commitment to improve health care in Waterloo Region and across our province."

About Equitable Life of Canada
With more than 750 employees and a network of 10,000 independent producers across Canada, Equitable Life's head office is in Waterloo, Ontario – just 1.5 kilometres from where we started in 1920. We provide individual insurance, savings and retirement, and group benefits solutions to meet your needs.

We are not your typical financial services company. We have the knowledge, experience and ability to find solutions that work for you. We're friendly, caring and interested in helping. As a mutual company, we are owned by our participating policyholders, not shareholders, allowing us to focus on your needs and on providing you with personalized service, financial protection and peace of mind.

www.equitable.ca

About Grand River Hospital Foundation
Grand River Hospital Foundation raises funds to help Grand River Hospital provide exceptional health care. With the support from generous donors and loyal community partnerships, we are able to grant funds for medical equipment and technology; renovation projects; and local clinical and health research and education. The commitment to health care in our region ensures that the residents of Waterloo Region and Guelph Wellington will have access to the best health care services close to home.

www.grandmri.ca 

About Grand River Hospital
Grand River Hospital is one of Ontario's largest community hospitals and provides innovative, quality care to more than 700,000 residents of Waterloo Region and Guelph Wellington. We are a leading health care organization, offering cancer and renal (kidney) services; care for the most seriously ill and injured adults; services for mothers, newborns and children; emergency care; mental health and addictions; and care for older adults including rehabilitation. We are privileged to be a key partner in health sciences learning and have a rapidly growing role in teaching and research. Patients benefit from the services of our 3,400 staff members; 600 physicians, midwives and dentists; and 1,000 volunteers at the Kitchener-Waterloo and Freeport campuses as well as satellite locations in Waterloo Region and Guelph Wellington.

www.grhosp.on.ca  

SOURCE Grand River Hospital Foundation