Richcraft founder’s family gives Ottawa Hospital $20 million donation toward new campus

The founder of Richcraft has made a multi-million dollar donation to support the new Ottawa Hospital Civic Campus. CTV’s Natalie van Rooy reports.

The Ottawa Hospital Foundation has accepted a massive donation from the founder of Richcraft Homes to help build the future Civic Campus — one of the largest health-care donations in the city’s history.

Kris Singhal, his wife Manju, and their daughters Monica and Angela presented the Ottawa Hospital Foundation with a $20 million donation toward the “Campaign to Create Tomorrow,” a $500 million fundraising effort to cover some of the costs of Ottawa’s new, state-of-the-art hospital.

Joanne Read, Executive Vice President of the Ottawa Hospital, says the funds will make a significant difference for patients of the institution.

“It’s pivotal in a number of ways but I think it is to our research, our innovation, and the hope and care that we will be able to provide for our patients of today and into the future, and not just here within the hospital, but across our community,” Read said.

At of this time, Read says there’s not a firm date for the new hospital’s opening.

Chet Yemm, son of Monica and grandson of Kris and Manju, says he appreciated the chance to share the moment with his family and community.

“My nani and nana have instilled in our family, the importance of generosity not just through words, but through actions,” Yemm said. “Being here in-person allows me to fully appreciate what this moment signifies for our community and our family.”

“Today marks a truly historic moment for our hospital and our city. The Singhal family’s extraordinary generosity will shape the future of care in our region,” said Tim Kluke, President and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, in a news release.

“It’s a powerful example of how philanthropy drives innovation and enables us to deliver the very best care to patients and families today and for generations to come.”

The Ottawa Hospital says, in recognition of the Singhal family’s generosity, a building at the new hospital campus on Carling Avenue will be named in their honour.

“Our family supports the hospital because we believe in healthcare’s power to change lives,” said Monica and Angela in a news release. “We hope our contribution brings hope and healing to those in our community.”

The donation brings the total funds raised by the “Campaign to Create Tomorrow” to $396 million, or 79 per cent of its goal.

With files from CTV’s Natalie van Rooy.

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