A Whitby councillor is asking 99 residents to join him in donating $9.61 a week – for the next 10 years – towards the announced new hospital in the town.
Funding for the hospital will be a 90/10 split with the province funding 90 per cent of the cost, and the local community needing to fundraise for 10 per cent. The Town of Whitby and the Durham Regional government are expected to make a financial commitment. Whitby Regional Councillor Chris Leahy says the estimated capital costs of the new hospital could be as high as $1.8 billion, which means the community contribution could be as high as $180 million.
“I am pledging to donate $5,000 to develop the new Whitby hospital,” said Whitby Regional Councillor Chris Leahy in a video released on March 20.
Leahy challenged 99 other individuals to join him. “My $5,000 pledge represents a modest $9.61 per week or $500 per year. Over the next 10 years, 100 of us could raise $500,000. They say the best way to eat an elephant is one bite at a time. $500,000 is a large bite.”
The councillor hoped his challenge will kickstart others thinking about the legacy they want to leave for the community. “For the cost of two fancy coffees per week, you can make certain we get an amazing acute care facility to serve our growing community.”
The councillor Leahy launched a website, www.WhitbyHospital.com, for residents to learn more about how they can contribute to the Lakeridge Health Foundation.
“Every day, we hear about hallway medicine and long waits for surgery. A new hospital will serve our aging population and those with chronic and acute healthcare needs. This new hospital will increase our competitive advantage in the marketplace for talent and investment,” Leahy said.
How outta touch is this! Ppl struggling to pay rent, keep their mortgage up to date and even buy groceries. This councillor thinks ppl have $40 a month to spare.