Show TEGH that this community cares back.

 

As many of you now know, Toronto East General Hospital is embarking on a $200 million capital redevelopment campaign to improve the health care that this community currently receives. Of that $200 million, the hospital aims to raise $50 million at the “grassroots level.” Along with the unprecedented percentage of support from the hospital’s staff, the people at TEGH’s Foundation are relying on you—the greater East York community—to help them reach their goal. So, if you are not a philanthropist or someone with a lot of free time, what can you do to help the hospital?

• This summer, TEGH will be hosting a great community fundraiser: a duck regatta! From Easter until mid-August, you can purchase a rubber duck for $5. The ducks will be released on the waterfront near the end of the summer (don’t worry, they’re collected later). All proceeds go towards the hospital’s campaign and, with $5 such an affordable contribution, everyone can participate in this fun event. Check out this video from a duck regatta in Cincinnati in 2007:

• The hospital is always looking for volunteers. TEGH currently has over 500 volunteers who log more than 70,000 hours a year. Even if you only have a couple of hours to give a week, every little bit can help. And, as TEGH serves one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse catchment areas in the world, volunteers of all races, religions, and educational backgrounds are needed.

• If you own a local business you might consider donating prizes for silent auctions or events with door prize giveaways. Your business could also sponsor a fundraising initiative and broadcast your business’ involvement in and dedication to this community.

• A gala in honour of the late Steve Stavro (the hospital’s emergency department is named for the Stavro family) is planned for October 17^th, 2008. It is to be held at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in downtown Toronto. Tickets are $400 per person, and if you were considering donating a sum of money outright to the hospital’s campaign, you might consider donating the money via the purchase of a ticket to this grand event.

• Get a group of friends, relatives, or co-workers together and register for TEGH’s annual charity golf tournament at Angus Glen (the Canadian Open was held at this course in July 2007). On June 17^th, 2008 the East York Old Boys (the founders of the event) will tee off and they would love to see you there. $2000 for a foursome is the green fee. Watch this video in which Davis Love III talks about the course:

• If none of these options suit you, you can also make outright monetary donations to the hospital’s Foundation. You can also call the Foundation’s president, Teresa Vasilopoulos, at 416.469.6237 for ideas on other ways you can help the hospital’s cause.

Can you think of any other ways to help the hospital raise $50 million? Have you already been an integral part of the fundraising process? Post your story here and help inspire others to help put the community back into “community hospital.”

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