On Tuesday, May 16, the Grand River Agricultural Society presented the first of three donation commitments to Groves Memorial Community Hospital Foundation.

The GRAS is the owner/operator of Grand River Raceway, where the cheque presentation was made. The organization has committed a total of $250,000 to be paid over three years.

The funds will benefit the new hospital which will replace the existing Groves Memorial Community Hospital in Fergus. The new facility is expected to open in 2019. It will be located in Aboyne (between Elora and Fergus).

“We are very thankful for the Grand River Agricultural Society’s support of this critical initiative,” said Lori Arsenault, the executive director of Groves Memorial Community Hospital Foundation. The GRAS donation will be used to fund the New Groves Hospital Healing Gardens.

(Left to Right) Grand River Agricultural Society Director Tony Morris, Vice President Garth Green, President Paul Walker, Groves Memorial Community Hospital Foundation Chair Hugh Calderwood, Grand River Agricultural Society Directors Jason Castellan and Gord Surgeoner (Iron Horse Photo)

The GRAS donation brings the fundraising total to $14.4 million, which represents 72 per cent of the foundation’s commitment to the Ministry of Health to raise $20 million. The sum covers the community’s 10 per cent share of the cost for bricks and mortar for the new hospital build, as well as almost all of the furnishings and equipment needs.

“Every day, people at Groves Memorial Community Hospital make a difference. They are part of pivotal moments in the life of each family — all of our families — and they happen at Groves every day,” Arsenault explained.

“Groves is a unique hospital because of the values it embraces. Our personalized patient care is one to which larger hospitals can only aspire.”

(GRAS)