Building for the Future – Continuing the Momentum Progress Update #4
Setting the Stage for the Milan & Maureen Ilich Medical Imaging Centre
Philanthropic Gifts Ensure Enhanced Medical Imaging Equipment for Patient Care
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Equipment (MRI)
The Gulshan and Pyarali G. Nanji family were among the 8,000 Ugandan refugees welcomed by Canada in 1972. Their arrival in Canada meant a complete re-start for their family, but within 20 years, they had established a thriving packaging business based in Ontario that boast clientele across North America. As the family’s fortunes began to rise, Gulshan and Pyarali pledged to give back to charities across Canada, particularly supporting needs in health care. We are excited to have received an extraordinarygift from the Nanji Family Foundation allowing Richmond Hospital to purchase a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine.
Richmond Hospital is currently housing a temporary MRI in a trailer near the entrance to the building. This allows MRI services to continue uninterrupted while extensive renovations are made to the existing MRI room. By spring of 2024, a new and modern MRI machine will be installed. We extend our sincere thanks to the Gulshan and Pyarali G. Nanji family for their generosity.
Computed Tomography – CT Scanner
Following the installation of the new MRI machine, Richmond Hospital’s Medical Imaging Department looks forward to the arrival of two new CT scanners. The acquisition of the second CT scanner is made possible by Dan On, the founder and owner of the Dan-D Foods Ltd.
Life for Dan began in poverty. He was the son of Chinese parents in war-torn Vietnam and in 1979, was one of the many ‘boat people’ who fled the chaos that followed the war. After being rescued at sea and spending several months in a Malaysian refugee camp at the age of 18, he was sponsored by Canada’s Hope Lutheran Church. Dan spent the next several years with a welcoming family who taught him about Canadian culture and Canadian business practices. His intense work ethic and ability to learn quickly soon transformed his fortunes.
In 1989 Dan started his own business, Dan-D Foods Ltd., which initially packaged and distributed beans, nuts and spices. His success story is legendary. Like many, Dan was inspired by his employees and his business colleagues to make a gift to Richmond Hospital Foundation.
A newly built modular space will house the first CT scanner by the end of 2024, while renovations to the existing CT scanning room are completed. By the summer of 2025, a second CT scanner will be installed.
Over the next 18 months MR and CT imaging services will continue to be available for the Richmond community while these additions are implemented. In fact, the new equipment will operate more efficiently, providing increased access for patients and better aid physicians in their diagnosis and evaluation of disease. What a difference philanthropy can make!
Today, much of Richmond Hospital’s important imaging equipment is woefully past its prime which impacts patient care and outcomes. Additional new technologies are urgently needed. Richmond Hospital Foundation is extremely grateful to two donor families who have stepped forward with philanthropic hearts to help replace and upgrade existing equipment – for patients today as well as those in the future. These imaging machines will be deployed as soon as possible but their use will continue as they are moved into the new Yurkovich Family Pavilion when it opens.
For more information about the new Yurkovich Family Pavilion at Richmond Hospital, please contact:
Spencer Gall
Campaign Director
[email protected]
(604) 244 5496
Gloria Wong
Associate Director, Leadership Giving
[email protected]
(604) 244 5376
Endora Fan
Associate Director, Legacy Giving
[email protected]
(604) 244 5473
Richmond Hospital Foundation
At Richmond Hospital Foundation, joy is at the very heart of the work we do with all our partners. Giving joyfully is to know that you are part of the solution and involved in something bigger than yourself. You are helping your loved ones, your friends, your colleagues, your customers. You are a driver of health and prosperity, and find 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, building a better and healthier future for Richmond. Joyful giving means joyful living.
