Late philanthropist honoured at CBU
Victor Harriss recognized for contributions to university, hospital foundation
The family and friends of the late Victor Harriss were at Cape Breton University as the businessman and philanthropist was remembered for his generosity.
Harriss, who died in 2009, was the owner and operator of Meadows Sand and Gravel Ltd. and Harriss and Harriss Ltd.
On Philanthropy Day, Wednesday, both the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation and Cape Breton University remembered Harriss for the $5-million gifts he left to each institution.
Among the people at the ceremony was Harriss’ cousin Dawn Young, who lives in Westmount. She said Harriss was a reserved man who didn’t enjoy the spotlight and would have been proud, but not comfortable, with the attention.
“He’d be quite proud that he did a lot of good, but he’d be embarrassed. He was an extremely quiet man that kept to himself except when business was concerned,” said Young.
Mark Forrest, who owns Mark Forrest Auto Body Ltd., said he started working with his great-uncle at the age of 14 and learned a lot from Harriss throughout his life.
“He was really good to me and he worked me hard. I worked with him for four years after school. He gave me a work ethic,” said Forrest.
“Today I’m a hard worker, I’m self-employed and I employ nine men. He was a very efficient guy. Victor basically saved
everything.”
Harriss’ donations are making a difference at both the hospital foundation and the university. The two $5-million donations were the largest single estate donation either institution has ever received.
Some of Harriss’ money has been used for renovations at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital emergency room and to build a student residence, Harriss Hall, at CBU.
Brad Jacobs, CEO of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foun-
dation, said he and the organization were beyond grateful when they heard about the donation.
“The first reaction is ‘oh my God this is amazing’ and then it’s really heartwarming when you start to think about someone thinking about your institution with that degree of significance that they are thoughtful enough to leave that donation,” said Jacobs, who added the hospital foundation has made sure the money is spent wisely.
“I was lucky enough early on to be involved in the stewardship of that gift and to ensure that we’re managing the money well and accountable back to the family and the community.”
Gordon MacInnis, vicepresident of finance and operations at CBU, said he passed on the school’s appreciation to the Harriss family members in attendance.
“I just spent time with the Harriss family and thanked them and explained to them the significance of what Mr. Harriss has done,” said MacInnis.
“He has not only allowed us to grow our endowment, but has enabled us to make really strategic investments, not only for our institution, but I think for the whole community.”