By MUHC Public Affairs
Earlier today, the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) announced that The Best Care for Life Campaign has achieved its objective of raising more than $300 million. Launched publicly in 2005, the campaign was created to support the purchase of land and construction of the Glen site, as well as to fund important renovations at the MUHC’s existing hospitals, state-of-the-art equipment and research infrastructure improvements.
“The fundraising efforts made under the auspices of The Best Care for Life are a source of immense pride for the MUHC and its foundations,” said John A. Rae, chairman of The Best Care for Life Campaign. “We shared a sense of purpose and together, with the Government of Quebec, Government of Canada, City of Montreal, and our generous donors, we have created an outstanding facility of enduring value.”
The Best Care for Life Campaign was a partnership of the foundations of the MUHC, notably the MUHC Foundation, Royal Victoria Hospital Foundation, Montreal Chest Institute Foundation, Montreal General Hospital Foundation, Cedars Cancer Foundation, Lachine Hospital Foundation, Neuro Development Office and Montreal Children’s Hospital Foundation, which led The Best Care for Children Campaign.
“Our new hospital has become a Montreal landmark. It is a giant leap forward for our patients and their families who can now enjoy single patient rooms, state-of-the-art equipment and a brightly lit atrium that all contribute to improving families’ experience while in the facility,” added Marc A. Courtois, chairman of The Best Care for Children Campaign “The community contributed $105 million to the Best Care for Children Campaign, and we can be very proud of our accomplishments.”
Following a green light from the Government of Quebec for its Glen site project in 2006, the MUHC committed to raise $200 million. The MUHC was able to meet its commitment to the government largely through its foundations and the strength of its community.
“The Best Care for Life Campaign was a historic undertaking that brought together thousands of people from all walks of life,” noted Claudio Bussandri, chairman of the Board of Directors of the MUHC and an honorary campaign chair. “We are thankful for everyone’s contribution and especially grateful to our foundations and the campaign cabinet for never taking their eyes off the target.”
In 2015, the Glen site of the MUHC became the new home of the Royal Victoria Hospital, Montreal Chest Institute, Montreal Children’s Hospital, Cedars Cancer Centre and Research Institute of the MUHC. In 2016, it set its sights on a new horizon with the completion of The Best Care for Life Campaign, a testament to the enthusiasm and determination of a community that believes in the mission of the MUHC.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the individual, community and corporate donors, including the MUHC’s physicians, healthcare professionals, researchers, staff and volunteers,” said Normand Rinfret, president and executive director of the MUHC. “Their contribution to our redevelopment reflects their trust in us to achieve our goals. We intend to honour that trust by maximizing the Glen site’s potential including moving the Neuro there, modernizing the Lachine and Montreal General hospitals, developing a strong continuum of care with network partners, and fulfilling our academic mission.”