Durham Region – April 28, 2020 – One of the major transportation arteries in the GTA, responsible for moving many hospital staff to and from their heroic positions on the front line, has made a significant commitment to supporting local Hospitals fighting COVID-19.
The 407 ETR has announced an investment of $1.2 million to hospitals and rehabilitation centres along the highway corridor to help secure much-needed supplies and medical equipment.
Both Oshawa and Ajax Hospitals of Lakeridge Health are benefitting from this generous gift with a total donation of $100,000. The donation is intended to assist in the purchase of personal protective equipment, patient critical care equipment, and other items based on the local and individual needs of each hospital.
“At 407 ETR, we recognize the increased demand on the healthcare system resulting from the Pandemic,” says Kevin Sack, VP of Marketing, Communications & Government Relations, 407 ETR. “We look forward to getting back to normal again one day and we fully recognize that getting there would be impossible without our incredible healthcare community.”
The $100,000 gift is the largest donation to date through Durham Region Fights COVID-
19, a joint campaign by all four of the Foundations supporting Lakeridge Health. Today, the campaign has raised over $400,000 for the urgent needs of our local Hospitals and their unwavering efforts to combat COVID-19.
“Local Hospitals are uniquely positioned within the community to both care for our loved ones and stop the spread of COVID-19,” says Tracy Paterson, CEO, Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation. “Our Hospital’s expert teams are working tirelessly to keep this community safe and healthy. We truly appreciate the 407 ETR for recognizing this effort.”
Funds raised through the Durham Region Fights COVID-19 campaign will support three priorities: resources to improve patient experience, equipment and capital needs, and staff wellness.
“We are overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from the 407 ETR,” says Yves Gadler, CEO, Lakeridge Health Foundation. “Our Hospital’s efforts to fight COVID-19 have been nothing short of extraordinary. On behalf of our all our Hospital heroes, we want to thank the 407 ETR for helping us fund the urgent needs of our Hospital sites and for investing in the health of our communities.
In March, 407 ETR also provided Lakeridge Health’s Foundations with 250 gift cards totalling $25,000 for toll-free highway travel to assist hospital workers.
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About Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation
The Ajax Pickering Hospital Foundation was established in 1994, and works with the Durham community to help save lives, restore health and provide compassionate care, by raising funds that directly benefit patients at Ajax Pickering Hospital.
www.aphfoundation.ca
About Lakeridge Health Foundation
Lakeridge Health Foundation supports the Oshawa and Whitby sites of Lakeridge Health, one of Ontario’s largest health systems. Funds are raised through special events, community initiatives and generous donations from individuals and corporations. Lakeridge Health Foundation is the first community charity in Durham Region to receive prestigious accreditation by
Imagine Canada Standards Program which recognizes charities that demonstrate excellence in their field.
www.lhfoundation.ca
About 407 ETR
Highway 407 ETR is a 108 kilometre toll road situated just north of Toronto, Ontario and serves over 500,000 commuters from Burlington to Pickering every workday. Using Highway 407 ETR saves more than 30 million hours of driving every year, allowing more time for things that matter most and connecting people and businesses in a fast, safe and reliable way.
Using Highway 407 ETR reduces fuel consumption, vehicle maintenance costs and lowers the environmental impact of driving by keeping drivers out of the gridlock and heavy traffic elsewhere in the Greater Toronto Area. Vehicles moving at consistent speeds on Highway 407 ETR reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an average 108 million kilograms per year. Since 1999, Highway 407 ETR has contributed economic benefits totaling over $16.0 billion within Ontario and is well known as the route of choice for businesses to move goods efficiently.
Making life better for customers and surrounding communities is an important focus for the Company. The Company and its employees also support local hospitals and the United Way, sponsor children and youth sports teams across the Highway 407 ETR corridor and supports environmental stewardship. Learn more at 407etr.com/community.