An inspiration chain got a new link with John Toonen. The retired Delhi, Ontario farmer, 90, has made a $50,000 donation to Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre, and he’s hoping he’ll inspire even more donations.
John’s donation took inspiration from the historic donation by the Verspeeten family to transform the cancer program at London Health Sciences Centre. John knew Archie Verspeeten, who lived nearby. John’s daughter, Carol, says that he initially considered donating $10,000, but decided to raise that to $50,000, hoping to make a significant impact in the lives of sick children.
“We were all happy for him to make this gift to Children’s,” Carol said.
During a tour of Children’s Hospital’s paediatric surgery unit, Division Head of Paediatric Surgery Dr. Andreana Bütter explained the impact his donation would have on children.
“’We are thrilled with Mr. Toonen’s very generous gift to support our Division of Paediatric Surgery at Children’s Hospital in London,” says Dr. Bütter. “Our group of 21 paediatric surgeons from eight surgical subspecialties provides comprehensive surgical care to the children and families of Southwestern and Northern Ontario. Our group performs almost 4000 elective and urgent paediatric surgeries every year. As academic paediatric surgeons, we strive to provide clinically sound and evidence-based care. Mr. Toonen’s generous gift will support our research endeavours and enable us to continue to serve the children in our region with the highest level of care. Thank you, Mr. Toonen!”
John was born in Holland and has a large family — he is one of eight children. He has 28 great-grandchildren, which can make keeping track of their activities a challenge — and one of his granddaughters had actually been visiting the hospital the day of his tour.
After sharing the news of John’s donation to friends and family, Carol learned that a family member needed surgery at just a few weeks old — and Dr. Bütter performed the procedure.
Children from John’s area are sure to benefit from his gift. In 2023-24 Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre cared for 4,161 patients from Norfolk and Oxford counties, over a total of 13,216 visits.
“We are very proud of our father, grandfather/Opa and what a kind, caring and loving man he is,” Carol says. “We’re hoping his generous donation may inspire others to do the same.”
Donors like John help transform the lives of children in Norfolk and Oxford counties. If you are interested in keeping John’s inspiration chain going and learning how you can make a difference, please reach out to Emily Grass at egrass@childhealth.ca or 548-288-4295.
