Every gift tells a story
Kelowna General Hospital began as a modest, 19-room community hospital back in 1908, funded by a small group of generous citizens and a donation of land by the Kelowna Land & Orchard (KLO) Company. The early pioneers of health care in our community would surely be astonished at the impact their philanthropic gifts have had as the decades passed.
From these humble beginnings, KGH has grown into a world-class teaching hospital, serving up to a million men, women and children from across the interior of British Columbia.
From a few tiny seeds of possibility planted by our founding donors, a robust and thriving centre of health care excellence grows.
Had it not been for those who believed they could shape the future of health care in our community, we would not be where we are today.
Behind each gift there is a story; a life, a love, a memory — a legacy that lives on in the bright, bustling halls of KGH.
Every gift tells a story. What will yours be?
SUPPORTING THE COMMUNITY
The KGH Foundation was established in 1978 to support a growing community of donors wishing to have an impact on health care in our community.
For over four decades, donors have trusted the KGH Foundation to help them create a legacy of significance and purpose — to advance health care in their local community and support the well-being for all who call the southern interior of B.C. home.
Many give as an expression of their family values. Some are grateful patients themselves.
Others wish to make a difference in the lives of others. Regardless of “why” your decision to give a legacy gift to the KGH Foundation ensures a brighter, healthier future in your home community for generations to come.
GIVING BACK BRINGS PEACE
Kjell Sundin (pictured, below left) has been a treasured friend of the KGH Foundation since 2010. In addition to being a loyal annual donor, Kjell has also left a gift in his will.
It was September 1991 when my dear wife, Hazel, and I began our journey from Winnipeg seeking a new home out west. Our first stop was Canmore, Alta. It didn’t feel right, so we kept going until we reached the Okanagan Valley. We knew we’d arrived “home.” Kelowna had a good hospital, a good airport and other wonderful amenities that pleased us.
For nearly three decades, my fondest memories of living in the Okanagan have centred around the great people we met in our travels, beautiful hiking trails, cross-country skiing and of course, the wonderful Okanagan weather.
When my beautiful Hazel passed in 1996, my perspective on life changed. I did my very best, and am proud to have cared for her through her illness, fulfilling her wish to die at home. All the money in the world could not have changed her outcome. I’ve never been one to waste money, but now, if an idea comes into my head, I execute it, as we are not guaranteed tomorrow.
My wish is that I can be a part of helping someone get his or her life back on track. I am an optimist by nature, but I know it doesn’t matter how well you live — we will all need the hospital at some point in our lives. I have been touched by cancer twice. By grace, the surgeries performed to remove my tumours were successful and I have had pretty good health.
KGH is a very good hospital, where I have received excellent care.
Helping others has always been a great source of pride for me. It feels very rewarding. Giving a gift to the KGH Foundation every year brings me great joy, and peace of mind. It is my way of giving back.