The Pembroke Regional Hospital Foundation (PRHF) has received a $100,000 boost to its Image Matters MRI campaign, thanks to a long-time supporter.

Coinciding with its fast approaching 100th anniversary, M. Sullivan and Son Limited of Arnprior recently honoured the legacy of its late chairman and community icon Tommy Sullivan by making the donation.

“Tommy was a great philanthropist devoted to supporting worthy causes, especially those associated with health care,” said Robert MacLaren, the company’s president and CEO.

“One of Tommy’s last gifts was to contribute to the PRHF MRI Campaign in support of an MRI for valley residents. It gives us great pleasure to carry on the legacy, tradition and vision of Tommy as well as M. Sullivan and Son – especially into our centennial year.”

Nancy Warren, PRHF’s executive director, received the cheque personally.

“We are truly fortunate to be supported by regional and local businesses that understand the importance of investing in local health care,” she said.

“M. Sullivan and Son Ltd. are exemplary corporate citizens and as valley residents, we are all touched by their generosity.”

Started in 1914 by carpenter Maurice Sullivan with five employees, M. Sullivan and Son Ltd. has distinguished itself through exceptional quality of workmanship, professionalism, and design. Sullivan has been recognized as one of Canada’s 50 Best Managed Companies, and received the LEED Gold Certificate for construction of the Kingston Police Station, as well as the Jock Tindale Memorial Award recognizing ethics and integrity, and the Gil Samson Award for leadership in accident prevention and safety education.

Robert Ball, the company vice-president, said the company has been here for a century thanks to the dedication of every single employee in maintaining exceedingly high standards.

“Wherever Sullivan works, we invest in that community,” Mr. Ball said. “We’ve been fortunate to be invited into many communities for different projects and this was an opportunity for us to give back.”

Through the generosity of Ottawa Valley citizens, businesses, and service clubs, the MRI Campaign is already halfway to its goal of $4.5 million to purchase and install MRI technology at PRH. The Pembroke Regional Hospital serves more than 100,000 people from across the Ottawa Valley. The Ontario government will finance annual operating costs for the MRI, but the local community is responsible for the initial purchase costs. With the longest MRI wait times in Ontario, the diagnostic tool can’t come to the region soon enough.

To get involved, donate or help organize a fundraising event, please contact donor relations co-ordinator Greg Junop at 613-732-2811 ext. 7408, or email foundation@pemreghos.org.

Stephen Uhler is a Daily Observer multimedia journalist

stephen.uhler@sunmedia.ca