October 5,2010/-KINGSTON, ON Kingston’s hospitals celebrated gifts totaling $100,000 from two local faith-based organizations.  Gifts from Beth Israel congregation and B’nai Brith Kingston Lodge #1191 were announced at the closing ceremonies of the 100th anniversary celebrations of Beth Israel Congregation.

The gift announcement was made at a community event that included the unveiling of several other commemorative items honouring the 100th anniversary.

The gifts will support the construction of new facilities at Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston General Hospital (KGH), and Providence Care. The portion of the gift from Beth Israel congregation will fund new pediatric oncology facilities at Kingston General Hospital.

The announcement was made by Merle Koven and Gini Rosen, co-chairs of the Beth Israel 100th Anniversary Committee.   At an afternoon gathering attended by an audience of more than 200 guests, Mrs. Koven announced the contribution. “This gift marks the occasion of our anniversary and expresses our thanks for the support that Kingstonians have shown our congregation over the years.”

“The 100th Anniversary Committee wanted to celebrate our presence in this community with a gift to the citizens of Kingston,” said Mrs. Rosen.  “What better way to benefit all citizens than to contribute to the redevelopment of our community hospitals.”

Ian Wilson, Campaign Chair for University Hospitals Kingston Foundation, accepted the gift. “We are delighted to join the Beth Israel congregation in celebrating a century of faith, leadership and philanthropy. Thanks to the wonderful gifts from both B’nai Brith and the Beth Israel congregation, our community will have access to exceptional hospital facilities.  And this gift will leverage an additional $900,000 in matching funds from the province.”

The gift will be recognized through the naming of a patient treatment room in KGH’s new pediatric oncology clinic, scheduled to open in the fall of 2011.

Eleanor Rivoire, Vice President of Clinical Administration & Professional Practice and Chief Nursing Executive at Kingston General Hospital, was on hand to help celebrate the gift. “We are honoured to be chosen as the beneficiary of this 100th anniversary commemorative gift to the community. This donation will help support the care and after care of pediatric cancer patients and to create a setting that is conducive to working with families and educating doctors, nurses and other health-care providers.”   

The pediatric oncology team at provides a range of cancer care and services in a number of settings. These include care in the outpatient clinic and inpatient settings, community outreach, and school liaisons.

Beth Israel Congregation is committed to meeting the religious, educational and cultural needs of its member families in a warm, welcoming, and supportive atmosphere.  Founded in 1908 (in its own building since 1910), Beth Israel prides itself in being a welcoming contemporary Orthodox congregation in which members enjoy meaningful events and are encouraged to participate in the true spirit of Jewish community experience and worship.

The $70-million Together We Can campaign is the largest and most important health care fundraising initiative in the history of Southeastern Ontario. Led by the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation, the joint fundraising arm for Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston General Hospital and Providence Care, the campaign will raise money for the redevelopment of our hospitals, the purchasing of equipment and the funding of medical research and staff education. To find out more about giving opportunities or to make a donation call 613-549-5452 or toll-free 866-549-5452 or go online to www.kingstonhospitalsfoundation.ca.