FERGUS — Groves Hospital Foundation is pleased to announce it has reached the $19.7 million fundraising mark, 99 per cent towards the goal for the new Groves hospital project, thanks in large part to generous donors and the recent success of the “Gala for Groves” event.
“This milestone was also achieved thanks to an extraordinary gift received from Granite Homes, Gemini Homes, and Bruce and Margaret Youngblood,” hospital officials say.
The three developers of South River joined together to make the largest collective corporate gift ever received in the 18-year history of Groves Hospital Foundation.
“Groves Foundation is truly grateful for the tremendous gift from Granite Homes, Gemini Homes, and Bruce and Margaret Youngblood,” explained Lori Arsenault, executive director of Groves Hospital Foundation.
“These companies and individuals came together to not only build homes for the residents of our area, but to also create a lasting impact on the community.”
Jason Fabbian, president of Gemini Homes, said, “Having first-hand knowledge of the challenges faced by health care practitioners today made this an easy decision.
“With my wife being a registered nurse and having worked at both the Guelph General and Grand River Hospitals, we felt compelled to get involved with the Groves Hospital Foundation.
“Having our second project coming to Centre Wellington this year, it’s essential that we do our part in creating a community that will positively serve the needs of its residents.”
South River is a new community by Granite Homes and Gemini Homes, scheduled to be released later this year, offering a combination of home designs including: bungalows, single-family and townhomes. South River is also slated to include parks, green space, and trails.
“It’s always been our priority to contribute to the well-being of the communities where we build homes,” said Nathan Hallman, president of Granite Homes.
“Having built past communities in the area, and with a new project coming to Elora, we felt compelled to contribute to this vital resource that will serve all members of the community, including our existing and future homeowners.”
The Youngbloods, longtime philanthropists in the region, have also played an important role in helping the hospital reach its campaign goal.
“We hope that our donation will not only make a positive impact for this important community resource, but that it will also inspire others to become involved in the success of this project,” said Bruce.
The $20 million goal for the current campaign, in addition to the $7 million raised in 2002-05 from the redevelopment campaign, will cover the local 10% share of build costs for the brand-new facility as well as almost all costs for equipment and technology. The new Groves Hospital is expected to open in late spring to early summer (date pending).
Gemini Homes has built communities in Wellington County and Waterloo Region and has ongoing developments in Guelph, Morriston, Inverhaugh and Cambridge.
Granite Homes has previously built communities in Centre Wellington and currently has developments in Cambridge, Kitchener, Collingwood, and Guelph.
The Youngbloods, lifelong residents of Centre Wellington, have roots that go back many generations.
They are committed to the community, officials say, and have been supporters of Groves hospital in the past, previously making a generous contribution to help purchase the CT scanner in 2009.
For more information on South River visit www.southriverelora.ca.
