NYGH health care team to be celebrated through fundraising walk
As the COVID-19 pandemic enters its 19th month, members of the community and health care workers at North York General Hospital (NYGH) are coming together to show support for the hospital while raising essential funds.
Rally 2021 for North York General takes place over Thanksgiving Weekend from October 9 – 11 with participants running or walking 1 km, 5 km or 10 km wherever they are. Funds raised will support the hospital’s Charlotte & Lewis Steinberg Emergency, the Gulshan & Pyarali G. Nanji Orthopaedic and Plastics Centre, and other areas of need.
Many physicians, nurses and other health care workers are taking part in the event to show solidarity for the hospital and inject some spirit amid the hardships of a difficult and ongoing public health crisis. Teams are using it as an opportunity to have some fun, with team names like “Club Med” created by the Chief of Medicine, and “Fam Jam” created by the Chief of Family Medicine.
Rally co-chair Marisa Vaglica has been on the frontline of NYGH’s emergency response through the pandemic as the Director of Emergency Services. “It’s been a long and tiring journey for most of us at the hospital through the pandemic and as we strive forward, seeing the community coming together through the Rally is a much-needed motivation and support for the health care team,” she says. “The Emergency Department serves as the point of access for patients with COVID-19 and all other illnesses and medical emergencies. Funds raised through this event will translate to saving lives in the hospital.”
Grateful patients like three-time Rally participant Mina Solomon and members of the North York community are participating in the event to show their appreciation for the doctors, nurses and other members of the hospital team. “Rally is an important way for me to express my profound gratitude for the care I received from NYGH. I participate every year because I am an active senior citizen and the 5 km walk is good exercise and a chance for a family outing in nature,” says Mina.
Last year, the hospital saw more than 110,000 visits to the Charlotte & Lewis Emergency and had close to 375,000 outpatient and virtual care visits. NYGH has provided care to 933 patients with COVID-19 and, together with North York Toronto Health Partners (NYTHP), administered more than250,000 COVID-19 vaccines to the community.
Events like Rally 2021 are an important fundraising opportunity for the hospital to support the delivery of care to the community it serves.
“The event is in its 4th year and has made a shift from the in-person event to give participants a safe and fun way to show their support for North York General, all while getting their legs out!” says Terry Pursell, President and CEO of the North York General Foundation. “Those who are not able to participate can also consider donating to one of the teams.”
Registrations for the event are still open at RallyForNYGH.ca and donations can be made to support the event through the site as well.
About North York General Hospital
North York General Hospital, affiliated with the University of Toronto, is one of Canada’s leading community academic hospitals. In a global ranking of hospitals North York General placed in the top 5 and among the top 100 in the world. We offer our diverse community a wide range of acute care, ambulatory and long-term care services across multiple sites. Through partnerships, collaboration, and academic endeavours, we seek to set new standard for patient- and family-centred care. Working together with our patients and their families, we are making a world of difference.
Media Contact:
Ya Shan Waley-Horhager
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
North York General Foundation
416-347-8037