Funds will give new life to Regional Women and Children Program (RWCP) 

When Shirley Johnson had a tour earlier this year, she was inspired to make a grand donation to refresh an area of Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) that is near to her heart. She donated $10,000 to provide a facelift to the Family Waiting Room in the Regional Women and Children Program (RWCP) area of the Hospital.

“I just thought the room looked a little tired,” said Johnson. “I wanted to give it an update so the families who use the space can feel a little more at home while they are here.”

Shirley and her late husband, Harvie, were inspired to give initially to honour the loss of their infant son, Bradley Thomas. Plaques to honour his memory hang in the Family Waiting and the Conference/Staff rooms in RWCP. Her latest donation will ensure families can rest, sleep, and spend quiet time with their newest members in comfort. The upgrade to the area will include new hospital-grade furniture and refreshed paint, plus it means the space can be used for RWCP programming (breastfeeding clinics, for example).

“Shirley’s legacy of giving to OSMH will be felt in the community for years to come,” said Brittany Wilson, OSMH Foundation Development Officer, Major Gifts. “She and her late husband, Harvie, have given generously to the Hospital, contributing to significant developments and improvements to patient care over the years. We are so thankful for this $10,000 donation that will mean families can rest a little easier or enjoy themselves in an oasis thoughtfully furnished by Shirley.”

Starting in 2002, Shirley and Harvie Johnson contributed over $175,000 toward the My Hospital…Our Future Campaign to build the Hospital’s community tower. Later Shirley established the OSMH Foundation’s Grateful Patient program with a gift of thanks made to recognize the care her husband received by OSMH staff.