White Rock: Local philanthropists, Dave and Rani Mann of the Mannkind Charitable Society and Isle of Mann Construction Ltd., have pledged to match every donation to Peace Arch Hospital’s ER up to $1 million until February 14, 2017.
“Rani and I do what we can to support charities that are meaningful to us, both locally and around the world,” Dave Mann said. “Peace Arch is our hospital and we are making this investment for the entire community.”
The ER redevelopment and expansion for Peace Arch Hospital has been years in the making and is a $20 million project with Peace Arch Hospital & Community Health Foundation funding $15 million. The remaining $5 million is being funded by Fraser Health.
“Their generosity is absolutely extraordinary,” said Stephanie Beck, Peace Arch Hospital & Community Health Foundation’s Executive Director. “We are nearing the end of our ER fundraising campaign and this matching gift is going to help us reach our goal that much faster.”
Currently, of the $15 million needed for the ER expansion, $11.5 million has been raised by the Foundation.
“If we work together, we can make a significant impact. That’s why we’ll match every single dollar up to $1 million donated to the ER at Peace Arch Hospital. That’s one million reasons to give what you can, in any amount. It all matters and it all makes a difference,” Rani Mann said.
“This matching gift means that every donation is actually doubled,” Beck said. “A donation of $20 is like making a donation of $40. We can turn $1 million into $2 million and make a lasting and profound impact on the emergency department in our community.”
That profound impact includes increasing treatment spaces from 15 to 54, nine dedicated pediatric beds (as opposed to the current one), three separate zones for acute, moderate and minor care, two isolation suites, an ECG and lab room for quick diagnostics and a dedicated calm and welcoming mental health area for evaluations and treatment without distraction.
A ground breaking for the new ER will take in 2017 with a projected opening date in 2020. Donations can be made online at pahfoundation.ca/donate.
