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Magna International announces $10 million gift to Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital


Yorkregion.com
Oct. 21, 2015
By Tim Kelly

Magna International has given the yet-to-be constructed Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital a $10-million gift to help get the Exceptional Care Belongs Here campaign off to a great start.

As a result of the gift, announced Wednesday afternoon at the Manor in Kettleby before a room full of delighted Magna employees, the emergency department at Mackenzie Vaughan will be named Magna Emergency.

“We’re exceptionally proud to make this gift on behalf of the many Magna employees in York Region,” Magna International CEO Donald Walker said.

Mackenzie Health president and CEO Altaf Stationwala thanked Magna employees for their generosity.

“This is truly an inspirational gift to Mackenzie Health and a very important contribution,” said Stationwala.

“The contribution of Magna towards Mackenzie Vaughan hospital is a milestone moment for us in this capital campaign,” added Stationwala.

The campaign, led by former Ontario finance minister Greg Sorbara, is trying to raise an additional $240 million from the community over the next few years.

Sorbara, after thanking Magna for its gift, said he believes the $10-million pledge could push others to dig deep as well.

“It also raises the sights of others, influencing them to support this most important project. We are transforming health care in the southwest area of York Region,” said Sorbara.

“It’s time for others to step up to the plate,” he said.

The emergency department will encompass 35,000 square-feet and is expected to handle 75,000 visits annually.

Infrastructure Ontario and Mackenzie Health released the request for proposal last June to the three teams shortlisted to design, build, finance and maintain Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital.

The winning team is expected to be chosen this coming spring and Stationwala said he expects construction to start next June.

With completion expected by the end of 2019, Mackenzie Vaughan Hospital is slated to have 350 beds, 1,800 full-time staff and 100 physician specialists at its Jane-Major Mackenzie site.