Markham Stouffville Hospital Foundation unveils naming of health centre to recognize donor's transformational gift

Close family and friends gathered at Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) on Thursday, October 26 to celebrate a transformational legacy gift made by the late C. Donald Brodie. In recognition of this monumental donation, the hospital proudly named and officially unveiled the C. Donald Brodie Medical Centre at 377 Church Street on its campus.

Affectionately known as Don, he was born and raised on a farm in York Region. Built by his ancestors in 1832, the farmhouse he grew up in was the foundation of his family’s heritage. His parents, Charles Norman Stuart and Rose Anne Brodie, instilled a deep appreciation for community in Don and his sister Cora through their life’s work.“Don was my little brother and he was my best friend,” says Cora. “Everyone who met him was greeted with a warm smile and open arms. He wanted nothing more than to help people and give back to his community. Don’s gift to Markham Stouffville Hospital will help so many people in our community for generations to come, and I’m glad that his generous legacy will be remembered in the community he cared for so much.”

In 2006, Don and Cora became residents of Markham. Don played an active role in the community through his involvement with the Club 35 Senior’s Club of Richmond Hill, the Markham Fair Board and the Markham Lion’s Club where he received the Melvin Jones Award for his outstanding commitment. He was also a dedicated member of St. Andrew’s United Church in Markham and Headford United Church in Richmond Hill.

“This extraordinary generosity sends a powerful message to other residents, and will serve as an inspiration for other caring individuals in Markham, Stouffville, and beyond,” says Mayor Frank Scarpitti, City of Markham. “We are so privileged to have had the commitment and dedication that Don poured into the City of Markham and especially, Markham Stouffville Hospital. His legacy will continue to transform lives for generations to come.”

Don and the Brodie family have been committed supporters of organizations that aid the less fortunate, both locally and internationally. The transformational gift left to MSH by Don will impact patients and health care for MSH for years to come. “Because of Don, we will establish more specialized programs that respond to the complex challenges of our patients, we will implement more cutting-edge research and techniques, and we will revolutionize the services that we provide. We are all truly inspired by Don’s generosity,” says Dr. Caroline Geenen, Chief of Staff, Oak Valley Health.

This monumental gift will support extraordinary patient care by funding the acquisition of priority medical equipment, innovative technology and emerging hospital needs that government funding can’t cover. “Don’s historic gift is more than an investment in MSH, it is a testament to the values inspired by the Brodie family,” says Suzette Strong, CEO, MSH Foundation. “Don’s legacy will make a lasting impact and create positive change in the lives of countless people living in our community—for that we are profoundly thankful.”