A $1 million donation from a local family will help expand the cardiology department at Eagle Ridge Hospital in Port Moody.
The announcement was made at the recent Evening of Caring Gala, when Sharon Perry, a local accountant and daughter of Bruce Kehler, who passed away suddenly in April 2017, gave a keynote address about her experiences at Eagle Ridge Hospital when her father was treated. Her mother Georgina and sister Dawn also joined in the announcement.
“Eagle Ridge Hospital gave us an extra 8.5 years with the greatest man in our world,” said Perry. “He was selfless and gave everything to his family and community. As nurses and doctors, you are not thanked enough. My family and I are hoping to demonstrate our thanks and appreciation by honouring my dad’s spirit through a pledge of $1 million to expand the cardiology department at Eagle Ridge Hospital.”
The news was greeted with excitement by Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation executive director Charlene Giovannetti-King.
"We are overjoyed by the generosity of Sharon, the Kehler family and partner businesses, Canex Building Supplies Ltd, Standard Building Supplies Ltd and Country Lumber Ltd.,” said Giovannetti-King, in a press release. "This leadership gift honours Bruce Kehler and exemplifies his life-long commitment to helping the Tri-Cities and many communities around the world."
The donation is the foundation’s largest in its 35-year history. As well, this year’s Evening of Caring Gala is the foundation’s most successful to date, raising over $1.2 million.
