Builder Viecelli doubles down on donations for Windsor hospital
Cardiac offices at Hôtel-dieu Grace named for immigrant philanthropist
Growing up in Italy and immigrating to Canada as a teenager, John Viecelli always vowed that one day he'd repay the kindnesses he received and make a difference in the community.
The 89-year-old, who built a successful home-building company in Southwestern Ontario, has continued to make good on that promise, most recently with the second of two $100,000 donations to Hôtel-dieu Grace Healthcare Friday.
“With these donations, I feel I'm fulfilling my childhood dream to make a difference to help others," Viecelli said, in remarks delivered by hospital CEO Bill Marra.
“I'm just one person who has worked hard. This success wouldn't be worth nothing if I didn't use it to help bring joy to others, and to help strengthen this wonderful community that I'm very proud to call home.”
Viecelli immigrated to Canada at 17 years old, working on the railroad and training with a local mason. He started his own masonry and construction company at 19 years old, and continued to build his businesses for years, with the goals of giving his children a better life than he had and giving back to the community.
As he approaches his 90th birthday, Viecelli, who was joined by his family in making the donation Friday, joked the money wasn't doing any good at the bank.
“Now I'm helping the people who need, and the hospital,” Viecelli said. “I'm close to 90, what am I going to do with the money? “I like to see people happy.” Hôtel-dieu Grace Healthcare has named two facilities in Viecelli's honour, including the John Viecelli Cardiac Wellness Administration unveiled Friday, and a rehabilitation room named for him after his first $100,000 donation last year.
The hospital's outpatient rehabilitation clinics see about 10,000 visitors annually and help patients rebuild after often-traumatic injuries.
“Patients and families embark on a journey of recovery and restoration,” said Janice Dawson, the hospital's chief nursing executive.
“This generous donation means rehabilitation programs will continue to grow and thrive and change the lives of many more.”
Viecelli has also previously donated to the Windsor Cancer Centre Foundation and created scholarships for students and young adults.
“It's a real game charger, the rehabilitation program,” said CEO Bill Marra of Friday's donation. "(John's) message today is if you have it, give it. Give where you live and make a difference.”
Now I'm helping the people who need, and the hospital. I'm close to 90, what am I going to do with the money?