February 21, 2007/- Kingston’s Homestead Land Holdings Limited and the family of A. Britton Smith, Q.C., who own the company, have made the largest gift to the university hospitals of Kingston in the hospitals’ combined 160 year history. The $2 million pledge to the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation will support the redevelopment of Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston General Hospital and Providence Continuing Care Centre and will benefit the 500,000 people in Southeastern Ontario who rely on the hospitals for their health care needs.

“This is a truly wonderful gift from the Smith family and its company, Homestead Land Holdings,” said Roger Wright, Chair of the Foundation. “On behalf of our hospitals and all the people across Southeastern Ontario who rely on them, I thank them for believing in our vision for better health care.”

Half of the family’s contribution is directed to the construction of a new hospital for Providence Continuing Care Centre (PCCC), providing a new home for programs and services currently offered at St. Mary’s of the Lake and Mental Health Services site. “We are thrilled to benefit so significantly from this gift,“ said Cathy Dunne, President and CEO of PCCC. “We have one of the top rated rehabilitation hospitals in the province. This donation will help to highlight the exceptional care provided by our physicians and staff.”

The remainder of the gift will be shared among the three hospitals, supporting the redevelopment of patient care facilities. “It’s an exciting day for all of us,” said Joe de Mora, President and CEO of Kingston General Hospital. “Through this extremely generous commitment, the Smith family has dramatically raised the bar for community support of our hospitals.” The funds directed to Kingston General will help to pay for the expansion of the Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario and construction of a new Inpatient Mental Health Unit, as well as rebuilding Central Processing Services (which provides sterilization support to operating rooms), relocating the hospital’s Pediatric Inpatient Unit, expanding the Intensive Care Unit and medical/surgical inpatient facilities, and increasing the capacity of the Dialysis Program.

“This gift will help us to realize the exciting plans for our hospital’s transformation into Canada’s leading ambulatory health care centre,“ said Hotel Dieu Executive Director Hugh Graham. Some 36,000 square feet of existing space at Hotel Dieu will be renovated to create additional specialized clinics and supportive facilities designed specifically to care for patients who need outpatient care. “We are delighted to have Homestead Land Holdings and the Smith family support us so generously”.

“In World War II I had the bad luck to be severely wounded and spent six months in hospitals in France, England and Canada getting patched up. Consequently, I have the highest regard and admiration for the dedicated people in our health industry, particularly those in our hospitals, and I welcome an opportunity to show my appreciation,” said A. Britton Smith. “This company gift is on behalf of all Homestead employees as well as Smith family members.”

Kingston’s Homestead Land Holdings Limited is one of Canada’s largest owner/managers of residential rental properties. The company has been constructing and managing apartment buildings in the City of Kingston since 1954. Its philosophy is to build, acquire and manage top quality buildings in the best locations; to ensure the best possible accommodations for residents; to provide professional on-site superintendents in each building; and to be available 24 hours a day to serve the needs of residents.

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation is the fundraising arm for Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston General Hospital and Providence Continuing Care Centre. It celebrated its first anniversary in October. In the last year, some $4 million from almost 13,000 donors has been raised for patient care, new equipment and research. The Foundation raises money for programs, equipment, education and research that benefit the 500,000 people in Kingston and Southeastern Ontario served by its three teaching hospitals.

To find out more about giving opportunities or to make a donation go online to www.uhkf.ca or call 613-549-5452.

Contact:
University Hospitals Kingston Foundation
John Suart
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Phone: (613) 549-5452 Ext. 5908
Email: john.suart@uhkf.ca