Dec. 14 2007/- The upcoming fundraising campaign for the redevelopment of the university hospitals of Kingston has a new face. Educator, community volunteer and former municipal politician Ian Wilson has been named the Chair for the campaign, which is set to be publicly launched in Spring 2008.

“I can think of no better person to be the leader of this campaign than Ian Wilson,” said Roger Wright, Chair, University Hospitals Kingston Foundation. “His experience, skill and commitment to the people of Southeastern Ontario speaks for itself. The selection of Wilson, who has first hand experience in political, volunteer and community service roles in Lennox & Addington, Frontenac and Lanark Counties, underscores the regional impact of Kingston’s hospitals in Southeastern Ontario. We are extremely fortunate to have someone of his calibre championing the cause of our hospitals.”

IAN WILSON

Wilson has a wide range of experience in community health care. He has been chair of the board of the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox & Addington Health Unit, a board member of District Health Council and the Community Care Access Centre, and chair of the board of Kingston General Hospital. He was Dean of the School of Business at St. Lawrence College. Wilson spent 20 years in municipal politics including terms as Reeve of Ernestown Township and Warden of Lennox & Addington County. He ran for the Liberals in the last provincial election in the riding of Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington.

“I am delighted to have this opportunity to help the Foundation raise the money that is so very necessary for hospital redevelopment. Our health care system is stressed and in need of major capital investment so that we can continue to provide the level of care required for the people of Southeastern Ontario, help educate the healthcare professionals of tomorrow, and undertake research to further the science of medicine,” said Wilson.

Also announced today was the appointment of the Honourary Chairs of the campaign – noted philanthropists Michael and Elaine Davies.

“We are very pleased that Michael and Elaine Davies have agreed to be honorary chairs of this campaign. Their long-time support, both through their gifts and through their many volunteer efforts on behalf of the hospitals, has been exemplary. The vision and experience they bring to this campaign will be a tremendous asset to our leadership team,” said Wright.

Michael Davies was chairman of the KGH board of directors and governors, from 1975-1976, a founding board member of the KGH Foundation and past campaign chair of the combined hospitals’ appeal. He is a life governor of KGH. The Arthur L. Davies Wing of KGH, opened 1990 along with the Kidd Wing, was named for Michael’s father, who had made generous contributions in time and money to the welfare of Kingston General Hospital. The naming opportunity was also made possible through the generosity of Michael and Elaine Davies and the Davies Foundation. The Davies are the sponsors of the Davies Award for Charitable Giving, first presented in 2006. The award was established to honour individuals or organizations for outstanding philanthropic leadership that benefits Kingston hospitals.

Elaine Davies has been Vice-President of the Davies Foundation for 15 years and has played an active role in developing the Foundation’s granting program. Elaine has also been involved in many communities organizations as a supporter and mentor.

“In all of Canada there are only 16 communities which have academic health sciences centres,” said Mr. Davies. “We are indeed fortunate that Kingston is one of these communities. Health care will be needed by everyone sooner or later and deserves the support of the entire community.”

MICHAEL DAVIES (LEFT) AND ELAINE DAVIES (RIGHT) WITH BRIT SMITH.

More information on the campaign will be released in the new year.

The redevelopment of the university hospitals of Kingston is estimated to cost hundreds of millions of dollars. The Province has committed to pay for 90 per cent of eligible construction costs. The community is expected to contribute the remaining 10 per cent of the costs, as well as covering the entire cost of the equipment required. The community portion, known as the “local share”, will likely amount to an estimated $50 million or more.