A Big Heart for Others: Tam and Monika Do opened up their hearts to support Richmond Hospital Foundation’s ACT NOW campaign
Joyful Giving
Left to right: Tam Do and Monika Do
When Tam and ‘Monika’ Ngoc Phi Do, together with their son Trevor, were rescued from a refugee camp in the early 1980s, they made a pledge to help others whenever they could. Fast forward to today, they’ve pledged $120,000 for Richmond Hospital’s ACT NOW campaign to support the build of the Yurkovich Family Pavilion, a new acute care tower with a new emergency department, medical imaging centre, larger operating rooms, private inpatient rooms and much more.
Knowing very little English and with a young son in tow, the Dos worked non-stop in various jobs to make ends meet and still set aside some funds each month to help others. As Tam explains, “I was so lucky to marry someone, who had such a big heart, and together we worked hard over the years to support ourselves and others.”
Tam’s hard work, positive attitude and excellent people skills in the retail industry didn’t go unnoticed. He was eventually given the opportunity to manage Mac’s convenience stores and, in 2003, he joined Chevron. He now owns five Chevrons in Richmond with 170 employees.
As Tam and Monika’s personal successes grew, so, too, did their generosity. For more than 20 years, they’ve given back to many organizations in Canada and overseas. Having seen Richmond Hospital firsthand in recent years, the Dos knew that the hospital could use their support, and were pleased to recently add the hospital to their philanthropic efforts.
For those who are financially successful, Tam encourages them to share their fortunes with others. “As business owners, we are more fortunate than others and we should open our hearts to help those who are less fortunate than us,” advises Tam. “If you show your love for others, you will feel happier. It’s better to give than to receive.”
“Monika and I knew we were so blessed to have what we have, and we were so happy to lend our support to Richmond Hospital to make it even bigger and better,” adds Tam.
Sadly, Monika succumbed to cancer soon after their pledge of $100,000 was made to Richmond Hospital Foundation’s new acute care tower. In loving memory of his wife, Tam has increased their donation to $120,000
and dedicated it to Monika as a celebration of her life.
Q: How can you and your company get involved in improving health care in the community?
A: To take an active leadership role to support Richmond Hospital, please contact Richmond Hospital Foundation for more information on philanthropic giving and sponsorship opportunities.
Richmond Hospital Foundation
At Richmond Hospital Foundation, joy is at the very heart of the work we do with you. We inspire joyful giving, because to give joyfully is to know that you are part of the solution. You are part of something bigger than yourself. You are helping your loved ones, your friends, your neighbours and your colleagues. You are a driver of health and prosperity. There is a joyousness in coming together to create a life well-lived.
It is our sincere hope you are always inspired to help fund innovation for life. To build a better and healthier future for Richmond. Joyful giving means joyful living.
