A Million-Dollar Commitment to Care

Oakville Hospital Foundation is honoured to celebrate a transformational $1 million gift from the Shoan family, supporting Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH)’s greatest needs. This gift is particularly meaningful as it is the largest in the Foundation’s history from a member of the South Asian community.

Mr. Bhajan Shoan was born in a small village in Punjab, India, where opportunities for education and healthcare were limited. Despite these challenges, his parents instilled in him the importance of hard work and learning. He became the first in his family to attend high school and later earned a Master’s degree in Science.

In the early 1970s, Mr. Shoan immigrated to Canada. Over time, he brought his siblings to join him and helped them settle and build their lives in Oakville. Together with his wife of 50 years, Mohinder, he created a strong family rooted in resilience, faith, and opportunity. His children Kiran, Raj, and Hary, and many of his nephews and nieces were born at the OTMH legacy site, making Oakville forever “home.”

Mr. Shoan shared: “I grew up with very little, but I always believed in the power of hard work, education, and faith. My greatest wish has been for my children to have more opportunities than I did, and to carry forward the value of giving back. Philanthropy is now part of our family, and I hope this legacy continues for generations to come.”

For nearly 40 years, Mr. and Mrs. Shoan have supported OHF, with their first gift dating back to 1986. The inspiration for this new gift came in 2004, when Mr. Shoan saw a sign at the old hospital honouring a $1 million donor. It planted a seed in him, and now, two decades later, that vision has come to life.

Kiran and Hary reflected on the meaning of this milestone. “Dad came from very little, but he built everything for us,” said Kiran. “Our parents always remind us how lucky we are to live in Canada, where good healthcare is available when you need it.” Hary added, “OTMH has always been home for our family, and this gift is their way of helping ensure that same care for others.”