Members of the Carpenters’ Union Local 27 and Local 675 have contributed to building the new Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital in Vaughan, Ont. and now the groups are giving back with a $1-million gift which will go towards the emergency department at the new facility.
A barbecue was held at the hospital site on Aug. 9 to officially announce the contribution. Over 900 workers involved in the project attended the event, including hundreds of carpenters and interior systems workers.
“We have a lot of members that live in the community, many of whom were actually working on the project,” said Mike Yorke, president of Carpenters’ Local 27.
“Many of our members that live in Vaughan asked specifically to work on this project because they live in the community and they are proud of what they do and this is a way to give back directly to their community.”
The gift from the carpenters brings Mackenzie Health Foundation’s total amount raised to $162 million of its $250-million goal, which is the community’s share of the project.
The donation will go towards the main waiting area of the Magna Emergency Department at the hospital. It is anticipated to support about 75,000 patient visits per year and will include seven treatment zones as well as rooms dedicated to resuscitation, acute care, minor treatments, mental health, domestic abuse and sexual assault, indicates a release.
Yorke said the contribution is a way for the union locals to give back to the community in which they are based.
“We recognize that health care is a crucial support mechanism for thousands and thousands of families across Ontario and we’re based in Vaughan and we saw that this is a great opportunity to bring together our commitment to the community, our commitment to the members and health care,” said Yorke.
“When you are working with the Carpenters’ Union and we are doing projects throughout Ontario, it’s not a one-way street. We give back to the community and we’re proud to do so.”
Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital, part of Mackenzie Health, is the first new hospital to be constructed in York Region in over 30 years. Located near Jane Street and Major Mackenzie Drive, the $1.6-billion, 1.2-million-square-foot hospital will serve the southwestern part of the rapidly growing region including Vaughan, Richmond Hill and King. According to a release, when the hospital opens in late 2020, it will be the first Canadian community hospital to feature fully integrated smart technology systems and medical devices.
“The Carpenters’ Union has shown great dedication, generosity and leadership in both building the hospital and giving back to it,” said Rina Pillitteri, board chair, Mackenzie Health Foundation, in the statement. “This gift will make a significant impact on our growing community for years to come.”
Follow Angela Gismondi on Twitter at @DCN_Angela.
Great job by the carpenters to give back to the community.