Leslie & Terry Farmer Matching Gifts Up To $250,000 For Giving Tuesday

This Giving Tuesday, December 3, donations to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation will be matched for greater impact at Royal Jubilee (RJH) and Victoria General (VGH) hospitals.

The Foundation is inspired to share a generous matching gift of up to $250,000 from Terry and Leslie Farmer for any donations made to the It’s Time for Surgical Innovation campaign between December 3 and 20.

The couple has deep roots in our community. Leslie graduated from the RJH School of Nursing in 1962 and spent much of her nursing career caring for patients at RJH. Terry continues to be an innovative leader and supporter of local tourism. The couple is profoundly thankful for the timely care they have received while in hospital.

“Over the years I have received truly exceptional care at Royal Jubilee and Victoria General hospitals. I always say, motion is lotion, and an active life has served me well but at some point we all need the care of our hospitals. The Victoria Hospitals Foundation is just the best. Leslie and I were so inspired by the It’s Time for Surgical Innovation campaign and what it will mean for Island patients. We hope our passion for exceptional healthcare inspires others to consider giving–it truly takes all of us to bring surgical innovation to Vancouver Island,” shares Foundation donor, Terry Farmer.

It’s Time for Surgical Innovation was launched on October 30, with the goal of raising
$17 million to bring new minimally invasive surgical procedures to the Island, starting with robotics. Since that time, the community has responded in great ways, helping the Foundation reach the $6 million milestone. This matching gift will provide even further momentum for the surgical campaign.

“Terry and Leslie’s great show of generosity will do much good for our community and will undeniably inspire many,” adds Avery Brohman, CEO of the Victoria Hospitals Foundation. “Giving Tuesday has become a global day of giving that recognizes that at the very heart of every community, are the charities that support it. We thank everyone who will choose to support our cause and lift up our care teams through this movement. Every donation truly makes a difference.”

It’s Time for Surgical Innovation is introducing robotics to Vancouver Island. Soon, RJH will be one of the first community centres with a da Vinci robot. Robotics will dramatically enhance the proficiencies of Victoria surgeons through unparalleled accuracy, dexterity, and control during complex procedures.

The campaign will also introduce a suite of over 50 innovative equipment and technology across five surgical specialities including general surgery, gynecology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology (ENT) and urology, further advancing minimally invasive local surgical procedures.

“It’s Time for Surgical Innovation will undeniably support cancer care here in Victoria for all Islanders. This new technology being funded through the campaign is a game-changer: less painful procedures, more precise and sophisticated care, and overall better outcomes for our patients,” shares Dr. Cailan MacPherson, Division Head, General Surgery.

“Robotic surgery is cutting-edge technology for the management of head and neck cancer. It will allow us to remove cancers that are simply impossible to reach with human hands. Soon, we will be able to do minimally invasive procedures that previously left patients with permanent disfigurement, and difficulties in eating, speaking and swallowing,” shares Dr. Roy Cheung, Division Head, Otolaryngology (ENT).

During the Canada Post strike, Maximum Express is offering complimentary courier service for donation cheque pick-ups. Please contact the Victoria Hospitals Foundation to arrange this complimentary service.

Contributions to It’s Time for Surgical Innovation can be made online, by calling 250-519-1750, or by visiting the Foundation office on the RJH campus at 1952 Bay Street in the Wilson Block. On Giving Tuesday, the Foundation office is open from 7AM to 5:30PM.