$5 million gift from Phillip and Peggy DeZwirek to support Mount Sinai Hospital’s capital redevelopment initiative
Toronto - Mount Sinai Hospital’s capital redevelopment project received a generous boost today with a $5 million gift by financier, philanthropist and community leader Phillip DeZwirek and his wife, Peggy. This new gift, along with the couple’s previous $1 million donation, brings their total investment in Mount Sinai’s Campaign to Renew Sinai to $6 million. Mr. DeZwirek’s commitment to supporting the revitalization of the hospital’s facilities is reflective of his many years serving as a volunteer, board member and philanthropic leader with the organization.
“As a business leader, Phillip has always recognized the importance of growth. He has been a passionate voice for ensuring that the services and facilities that we offer our patients are leading-edge. On behalf of our patients, I extend our gratitude for this tremendous gift,” said Joseph Mapa, President and CEO, Mount Sinai Hospital.
The capital redevelopment project that the DeZwireks are supporting is part of the hospital’s Campaign to Renew Sinai, the largest campaign in the hospital’s history, which will expand and modernize its facilities, broaden the scope of its internationally recognized clinical and research programs and further its commitment to excellence in patient care. Now in its second phase, the Campaign to Renew Sinai will see the completion of a new state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit, labour and delivery unit and antenatal units, all scheduled to open in late 2014. Phase III of the project will see further transformation of the hospital, including doubling the capacity of the emergency department, 19 new surgical suites, a 50 per cent increase of intensive care beds, and upgraded ambulatory clinics. Central to the redevelopment plans will be a modernized, patient and family-centred lobby, featuring a redesigned patient welcome and admitting area, new food court and wellness centre. The Phillip and Peggy DeZwirek Family Main Street in the lobby will be named in recognition of the gift.
Mr. DeZwirek is Chairman Emeritus of CECO Environmental Corp., a company he founded and of which he was Chairman and CEO for over 30 years. CECO is the world’s largest global provider of pure air and water pollution control technology and systems with 14 plants in six countries. Mr. DeZwirek retired this past spring to focus more time on his philanthropic endeavours.
More Quotes:
“Mount Sinai has put exemplary patient care at the centre of its ambitious plans to re-imagine the footprint of this hospital,” said Philip DeZwirek. “I am so pleased to add my support to this important project and I am excited by the future of health care that Mount Sinai is championing.”
“Mount Sinai has benefitted from Phillip’s efforts to strengthen our organization over his many years serving as a board member and volunteer. We are deeply grateful for this incredibly generous gift,” said Jay Hennick, Chair of Mount Sinai Hospital Board of Directors.
“Phillip and Peggy have made a bold statement through this gift, re-enforcing how our capital redevelopment will strengthen patient care and the future of this hospital,” said Brent Belzberg, Mount Sinai Hospital Foundation Management Board & Governing Council Chairman, who also co-chairs the Hospital’s Renew Sinai campaign.
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For more information and to coordinate interviews please contact:
Riva Finkelstein
Senior Specialist, Media Relations and Public Affairs
Mount Sinai Hospital
416-586-4800 ext. 8306
Sally Szuster
Senior Manager, Communications & Public Affairs
416-586-4800 ext. 8713
