Salmaan Alvi - Generations of generosity

When Salmaan Alvi brought his three young children to MSH recently, it fortunately wasn’t for a medical emergency. The children were there to hand out teddy bears to patients as part of MSH’s Bear Necessities program, to spread a bit of comfort while raising funds for the hospital.

For Salmaan, it was about giving his children an opportunity to experience the rewards of volunteering, and to know that “every donation in support of a bear hug can make a big difference.” His children are the third generation in his family to give back to the hospital – continuing a tradition started by his father-in-law and a legacy inspired by his mother.

Family connections

Within Salmaan’s family there are three generations of volunteers and donors. Salmaan is a director on the MSH Foundation Board; he’s also a long-time volunteer and founding member of MSH Leaders – a young philanthropists’ initiative. His wife, Henna, supports MSH Foundation signature events through donations and gifts-in-kind, and together they’re teaching their three children about the importance of giving back.

Salmaan’s mother, Shabana Alvi, is a community volunteer and MSH legacy donor, and his father-in-law, Mohammad Ashraf, is a long-time MSH supporter and former volunteer leader who also served on the MSH Foundation Board.

“It’s important for the sustainability and longevity of the hospital itself and the services the hospital provides,” says Salmaan. “I’m looking at the long-term horizon, not just three to five years out. I plan to be here for the next 50 years, so I want to make sure MSH is there for everybody to access and use, including my kids and grandkids.”

That was also a factor for his mother when deciding on where a legacy donation—as part of her will and estate— would make the most difference.

“When my son, Salmaan, and my grandchildren moved to Markham, this community became a very important piece of our family’s lives. After my granddaughter was born at MSH in 2012, this piece grew even larger, and in my heart I knew that this is where part of my family’s future legacy would be carried on,” says Shabana.

“MSH has proven to be a quality care provider for the community, where accountability, inclusion and diversity play a big role,” she says.

Salmaan’s appointment to the MSH Foundation Board also helped to align Shabana’s legacy giving with MSH. “This would allow my grandchildren and future generations to feel the impact of our family’s giving and inspire them to follow these values I believe so strongly in.”

MSH was built on decades of philanthropy – starting long before its doors opened in 1990. “We are extremely proud of our heritage, and we are extremely excited about our future,” says Suzette Strong, CEO of MSH Foundation. The families who have supported us from the beginning are still with us today, so we see the next generation giving, like Salmaan’s family. It is truly inspiring to see our founding members, together with their children and their children’s children, giving back to their hospital.”