Niagara Health Foundation handed unprecedented $60 million donation

While the new now-under-construction South Niagara Hospital project has received a healthy handful of donations over the past couple of years, the umbrella organization Niagara Health Foundation has struggled lately, much like other health units across the province.

It seems they now have some much-needed relief as Niagara philanthropists Greg and Diane Slaight stepped up with a staggering $60 million donation, the largest donation ever made to the Niagara Health Foundation.

Slaight is the son of the late Canadian media mogul-philanthropist Allan Slaight, who was worth an estimated $1.25 billion at the time of his death in September 2021.

The historic donation will now be spread in three directions – critical patient care equipment and priority needs across Niagara Health, the Walker Family Cancer Centre, and the South Niagara Hospital project.

The new hospital build will get $5 million, the cancer centre will receive $10 million while the foundation will use the remaining $45 million to “address priority patient care needs and the advancement and treatment of health needs at Niagara Health for Niagara’s 485,000 residents.”

The younger Slaight directed all praise towards his late father. “This gift is made possible by my father, Allan Slaight. His business success and his generosity allow us to make this gift.”

Lynn Guerriero, President and CEO of Niagara Health, admitted she was almost at a loss for words.

“There are no words to adequately express our gratitude for this unprecedented philanthropic donation that will change lives. This gift will positively impact patient care while enhancing the work environment for Niagara Health staff,” she said.

“It is a testament to the Slaight family’s commitment to the Niagara community. On behalf of Niagara Health, thank you to the family for their generosity.”

Meanwhile, Andrea Scott, President and CEO of the Niagara Health Foundation, which directly received the donation, called it a “turning point” for health care in Niagara.

“This momentous contribution marks a turning point in the history of Niagara Health Foundation, we are immensely grateful to Greg and Diane whose profound generosity will leave a lasting impact on the health and well-being of countless individuals in our region,” Scott said.

“With this remarkable gift, we can continue to support and grow our mission to provide Niagara Health with the critical, urgently needed patient care equipment necessary to deliver exceptional care and improve health outcomes.”