There is good, and good to do, in health care

A commentary in the Times Colonist by Avery Brohman , CEO of the Victoria Hospitals Foundation.

The presence of the Stanley Cup in Victoria last week was more than a symbol of hockey and victory. It was a testament to the spirit of our community — and a tribute to the role philanthropy plays in our local health care sphere.

When the cup made an appearance at Royal Jubilee Hospital, brought in by Geoff and Bruce Courtnall and the Courtnall Society for Mental Health , it cascaded a light in a facility that can, at times, feel dim.

Caregivers on break or off the clock lined up for a chance to see the championship trophy, proudly wearing their favourite team jersey, and some even bringing their children.

I embraced the moment and felt grateful for this gift to them, as they give so much of themselves to us, our community. There were tears, laughter, photos; stories, too.

Many remembered how this wasn’t the first time the Courtnall family has lifted up Royal Jubilee over the years — and morale alongside it. When a team of 20 physicians, nurses, and hospital staff stood in front of the Archie Courtnall Centre, the Stanley Cup in hand, it felt like a full-circle moment.

Twenty years ago, Geoff, Russ, and Bruce announced their first of what would be three star-studded golf tournaments in town. Through the years, the Courtnall Celebrity Classics raised millions to open the centre’s doors; what was more, they also opened the doors to talking openly about, and advocating for, better mental health care in our community.

Al Ferraby, who hosted a radiothon on CFAX in support years ago, sent me a message after last weekend’s events. He reflected on how the world of the Courtnalls changed at that time; how they changed our world, too.

Today, the philanthropy of the Courtnalls and those they inspired is omnipresent in the Archie Courtnall Centre, and the Young Adult Mental Health Unit at Royal Jubilee.

The Courtnalls are one of thousands of local families who have championed a culture of philanthropy that transforms health and hospital care on the Island. I share this story to recognize those in our community who have a personal desire and ability to make a difference and understand the role giving has in a health care setting.

The Courtnalls were in good company, and one of many families who volunteered their time to offer our community a series of opportunities to enjoy over the weekend.

Attending the Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada gala banquet last Thursday evening brought back memories of the Visions Gala our foundation hosted in that room two months ago, where the spirit of community — and volunteerism — was ever-present.

Every day, I am witness to stories of hope and good. A warm smile from a volunteer hospital greeter. A phone call from a grateful patient. A new surgery performed on the Island.

A life saved by the expertise of our caregivers, and the equipment funded by our donors. A porter who plays the piano after-hours to bring about joy and hope to those who call the hospital their second home.

A hospital worker who came to the hospital hours early and waited in line for a quick minute with the Courtnalls — to thank them for believing in the work they do.

There is good, indeed. There is also a deeply rooted yearning to deliver advanced care — the best care.

Our current campaign, Imaging is Power, is responding to this desire. It will mitigate imaging wait times by bringing first-in-Canada technology to our hospitals.

It is also driven by our radiologists, who came to us with a need, and an innovative solution. In 100 days, more than 4,000 donors have raised $7 million of the $11 million earmarked for this campaign.

What a testament to the generosity of our community. This is community spirit. When we complete this campaign, in many ways it will feel like our community is lifting the Stanley Cup — in, and for, our hospitals once again.