Terrace couple give largest personal donation in Foundation's history

Lynn and Bryan Gascon in front of the Closer to Home campaign board at Mills Memorial Hospital. The Gascons, a Terrace couple well-known for their generosity, have made the largest ever personal contribution to the Dr. R.E.M Lee Hospital Foundation in the foundation's history.

The undisclosed amount, announced this past weekend during Riverboat days in Terrace, will go to the 'Closer to Home' campaign to support Tier 3 level services in the birthing unit at the new Mills Memorial Hospital.

This is the second history-making contribution the Foundation has announced this year, with Newcrest Mining contributing $2 million, the largest donation the Foundation has ever received from any donor, to the same campaign. Kitselas First Nation has also donated $10,000, and the Foundation hopes others will jump on board and contribute to this great cause.

'Closer to Home' Campaign

The Closer to Home campaign is fundraising to increase the level of neonatal and maternal services from Tier 2 to Tier 3 in the new hospital in Terrace. There is no other facility that offers Tier 3 level services in the Northwest Health Services area.

Currently mothers and infants that need emergent care, must experience often stressful and weather-dependent medical evacuation to either Prince George (Tier 4) or Vancouver (Tier 6.) Having care closer to home means mothers and babies will be surrounded by the people they need and their families less burdened by the financial and emotional costs of travel and long-term stays in unfamiliar settings.

For more info about the Closer to Home campaign and the expanded neonatal and maternal services, check out the Closer to Home video and case study.

And a big thanks to the Gascons!