Toronto Grace Health Centre Foundation received its largest donation in the over 100 year history of The Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre site. The $1.9 million donation will have a profound impact on the Toronto Grace Health Centre's 119 bed facility and the medically complex patients it serves.

The $1.9 million estate gift by the late John Irwin reflects the regard in which he held the Grace. "John was a great supporter of the Grace Health Centre and The Salvation Army," said life-long friend Alan Irwin. "The Grace was home to both John and his wife Norah in the final years of their lives, and they were deeply moved by the compassionate care provided to patients."

John was born in England and immigrated to Canada in 1952. He was an Associate Editor of the Financial Post and was awarded Canada's Centennial Medal in 1967. John's wife, Norah, was a patient at the Grace for many years. John was a devoted husband who visited Norah every day, until his own health issues required him to also be a patient at the Grace. It was important for the couple to stay together, and the Grace made that possible. They remained together until Norah's death, with John continuing to be cared for at the Grace until his death one year later.

This donation is the largest single gift ever received by Toronto Grace Health Centre Foundation, and will support both the immediate revitalization of the facility through physical upgrades and new equipment, as well as the long term needs of the Grace through the creation of the John and Norah Irwin Endowment Fund. "The John Irwin gift is not only the most significant gift in the Foundation's history, but also the most timely," says William Pace, Executive Director of the Foundation. "As we begin a dramatic expansion of our fundraising activities, this gift serves as a reminder of how significant the Grace is to those in our care, and the role it plays as a leader in the areas of Palliative, Complex Continuing and Rehabilitative care.

Mildred G. Jarvis, President and CEO of the Toronto Grace Health Centre, stated that, "The Irwin bequest to the health centre will enable program enhancement, adding further quality of life to those entrusted to our care. Sincere appreciation is expressed on behalf of all who will benefit."

"This remarkable donation truly reflects the growing spirit of philanthropy that is flourishing at the Grace and truly celebrates John Irwin's position as the health centre's greatest benefactor," said John Welch, Chairman of the Grace Health Centre Foundation Board.

About Toronto Grace Health Centre Foundation

Toronto Grace Health Centre Foundation was established in 2002 to support Toronto Grace Health Centre's slow-paced rehabilitation, palliative and complex continuing care programs. Funds raised support patient programs, medical equipment, innovation and research.

About Salvation Army Toronto Grace Health Centre

Toronto Grace Health Centre (TGHC) is a 119 bed facility owned and operated by The Salvation Army located in the heart of downtown Toronto. Toronto Grace is renowned for the compassion, clinical excellence and patient centered care we provide. The heart of patient-centred care is recognizing that each person has individualized priorities and goals, and each care plan reflects this. Through understanding and appreciating the complexity of day-to-day life, Toronto Grace provides patient-centered care for individuals with multifaceted chronic diseases who require Complex Continuing Care, Slow-Paced Rehabilitation and Palliative Care. More information is available at www.torontograce.org

For further information: Stefani Venere, Manager, Marketing and Special Events, Toronto Grace Health Centre Foundation, (416) 925-2251 ext. 283, svenere@torontograce.org