Four hospitals in Simcoe County — including Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital (OSMH) — can continue working toward equipment purchases and expansion projects thanks to a generous donation from ServiceMaster Restore franchises.
At the ServiceMaster office in Midland Monday morning, owners Dwayne and Tanya Frans presented officials from Georgian Bay General Hospital, OSMH, Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) and Collingwood's General and Marine Hospital with a commitment to donate $250,000 over the next five years.
The Frans, who own franchises in Midland, Orillia, Barrie and Collingwood, will donate $50,000 per year over five years.
Dwayne Frans said he has been a long-time supporter of both GBGH and OSMH and now owns franchises in Barrie and Collingwood, so wanted to include them in his giving loop.
"We've been supporting GBGH for 25 years and Soldiers' for 20 years and now we have Barrie and Collingwood, so we've decided to support those as well," Dwayne said.
"One big gift for the four hospitals has a better impact," he added.
Perry Esler says the OSMH Foundation is grateful for the donation.
“This gift from Dwayne and Tanya will impact the future of healthcare for so many across our region,” says Esler, president and CEO, OSMH Foundation.
“Soldiers’ is grateful for their passion and commitment towards improving health and wellness in such an inclusive way, and I look forward to the opportunities it will allow for growth of our hospital and enhanced care for our community," he added.
GBGH is receiving $20,000 per year for a total of $100,000.
"This gift is incredible for GBGH," said Jen Russell, senior marketing and community engagement officer with the GBGH foundation.
"Dwayne and Tanya have been supporting the foundation for many years. This is definitely the biggest gift that they've made and it will have a lasting impact over a number of years to purchase equipment and technology and even the expansions we are working to make the hospital bigger and better. We are so thankful for them," she said.
RVH, OSMH and Collingwood's General and Marine hospitals are each getting $10,000 per year over the next five years for a total of $150,000.
