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Yarmouth Hospital Foundation board member Kerry Cunningham was almost at a loss for words trying to describe the second-largest donation in the organization’s history.
“It’s incredibly emotional, heartwarming — it just feels like something great is coming for something that has been needed and, man, it’s just amazing,” Cunningham said Thursday in a phone interview.
While multimillion-dollar contributions usually bring widespread attention, Thursday’s announcement of a $7.75-million gift was unique. Because the donor chose to remain anonymous, even Cunningham and most board members only found out a few days ago.
Joy and relief
Ann Jones, chair of the foundation’s board, said discussions about the donation began earlier this year, though she declined to share whether the donor or a representative made the initial approach.
Jones said the money will serve as the first contribution to an upcoming fundraising drive for the hospital’s new emergency department.
“We have our work cut out for us, but somebody has given us a boost,” Jones said by phone from Yarmouth.
Fundraising on this scale is challenging, especially in smaller communities where multiple groups compete for support, she added. She said the unsolicited gift shows immense trust in the foundation’s work.
“When this foundation is chosen, it’s just a joy, but there’s also relief to know that funding is coming to us because they want to give it to us, not because we went out and sought it.”
Long time coming
Yarmouth is the last regional hospital in Nova Scotia to get a new emergency department. The work will double the current space, improve privacy and infection control, and upgrade technology.
Although the project was announced in 2020, the provincial government didn’t confirm construction would proceed until 2024.
In the meantime, local doctors voiced concerns over the delays.
Jones acknowledged that some people in the community were losing faith. But the formal announcement and subsequent start of construction have boosted staff recruitment and raised awareness for the upcoming fundraising drive.
“Just digging the hole, the first hole, you realize that this was for real,” said Jones. “That’s when we really began to seriously think about our capital campaign.”
Previous major gift also anonymous
Thursday’s announcement marks the second time the foundation has received a massive windfall without a name attached. The largest gift in its history — $22 million in 2021 — was also anonymous.
Cunningham said the anonymity reflects how community members look out for one another and step up without seeking recognition.
“Personally, I love that,” he said. “I enjoy that you don’t have to do things for legacy, for credit. I feel real humanism is that — is giving and not needing a pat on the back.”
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