An Ontario family with a connection to the Maritimes has made a transformational gift of $10 million to the IWK Health Centre in Halifax. The donation is believed to be the single largest private gift to health care in the Atlantic region. The gift was announced this morning by Anne McGuire, president and CEO of the IWK Health Centre. The donation will support the creation of a new acute mental health inpatient unit, a state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit and a new suite of women’s health care facilities at the IWK.
“The needs of a highly-specialized health centre like the IWK are always growing and the standards for caring are always improving. It is our goal to not only keep up, but to exceed expectations and continue to provide Maritime women, children and youth with the world class care they deserve. This donation makes this possible,” said McGuire.
“The IWK is recognized worldwide for its excellence in care for women and children,” said donors Myron and Berna Garron. “We are honoured to do our part to ensure the IWK continues to serve families for many years to come. We hope our contribution inspires others to support this special place in Atlantic Canada which is so critical to families.”
“The Garron Family has a strong tie to the Maritimes,” said Jennifer Gillivan, president and CEO of the IWK Health Centre Foundation. “This historic donation demonstrates the family’s deep commitment to our region’s most critically-ill children, youth and women. The Garrons represent the philanthropic spirit we depend on to ensure we are second-to-none in the world.”
Originally from Westport, Nova Scotia, Myron Garron began a career with the Bank of Nova Scotia in 1952. He managed several bank branches, including one in Toronto, where he met his wife, Berna. Myron and Berna started a family, and Myron would later make a career change that led to a hugely successful automotive manufacturing business. The Garrons’ have made other significant gifts to pediatric health care across Canada.
