Why Donate to the Grace

Patient Family Testimonials

• We commonly receive comments from patient families about the outstanding care provided to their loved ones.  Here's a small sample:
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  Testimonial #1
  Testimonial #2
  Testimonial #3
  Testimonial #4
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  Testimonial #1
  Over the last decade, I have developed a very personal attachment to the Toronto Grace Health Centre.  In the first half of 1996, with virtually no warning, my 84-year old mother very quickly became unaware of her surroundings.  Diagnosed with general dementia, she spent a few months in the care of geriatric psychiatry before being sent home with the expectation of only a short time to live.

  After it became increasingly difficult (virtually impossible) to adequately care for my mother at home, I had her admitted to Toronto Grace.  At first I didn't know what to expect from this humble building at the intersection of Church and Bloor Streets, but I soon learned that the people working inside were the hospital's great strength.  On her first morning there, my mother woke-up with an unexpected smile on her face, said  "I'm hungry", and proceeded to eat her first meal in several weeks.

  From December 1996 to August 2000, I visited Toronto Grace Health Centre nearly 2,000 times and during that time I found the staff to be phenomenal.  I was overwhelmed by the kindness, caring, and compassion that I witnessed in everyone, including Major Brown.  I talked with many other visiting families who felt the same way.  The Grace staff's approach and focus is on the patient.  Money is spent on things that matter to the person who is in need of care.

  During her stay at Toronto Grace, my mother began to regularly visit the hospital chapel.  This grew to become a meaningful part of her final years.  She often did not know me, but she could sing the words of the church hymns by heart.  Just before she passed, the chaplain visited my mother at her bedside.  She woke to briefly take his hand, and then returned to sleep one last time.  Although my mother had no religious connection to the Salvation Army, I asked this chaplain to help perform my mother's funeral service.

  Since my mother's passing, I have often returned to the Toronto Grace at Christmas, delivering holiday treats to the staff on duty.  Last time I visited, the hallways were mostly deserted, it was late and the staff was busy with patients.  I was just about to leave when (remember, this is many years after my mother ceased to be a patient at the hospital)  a nurse I did not recognize recalled my mother and greeted me by name.
   
  This final anecdote exemplifies why I believe the Toronto Grace Health Centre to be a very special place, and why it is my privilege to be associated with its fundraising efforts.
  
  Testimonial #2
  I would wish only to others that they know how wonderfully my father was treated in his last two days of life.  There are no words that can be said that would tell people about the wonderful and caring nurses!  They treated him with dignity and like their own father.

  Testimonial #3
  As the first anniversary of my late husband's death approaches, I remember how the nursing and support staff on the third floor sweetened the bitterness.  They worked hard to give his final days dignity and compassion.

  Testimonial #4
  Your staff are able to combine professionalism with compassion and empathy both for the patient, and also family and friends.

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• How to Give

• Donations can be made securely online by clicking on the Donate Now logo above.  Our online donations are processed through Canada Helps, a not-for-profit organization providing advanced security features.  Alternatively, donations may be made by cheque mailed to the attention of Toronto Grace Health Centre Fundraising at the address below.
  

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