Honouring a Father’s Legacy at OTMH
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Meet Upinder and his Family
Upinder, his siblings, and their immediate families were driven by a strong connection to Oakville Trafalgar Memorial Hospital (OTMH). Their journey as donors began when OTMH became the centre of care for their father, who battled liver cancer with courage.
Why did Upinder and his family donate to OTMH?
The Oakville resident and his siblings are overflowing with appreciation for the hospital and the healthcare teams who they say cared for their father with the utmost compassion and dedication.
“For the palliative portion of his care, my father was treated at OTMH, living in Oakville, that’s the closest hospital to me. The staff there was great, helping us through his final moments. He passed away peacefully in the hospital,” Upinder shares, reflecting on the profound support they received during a challenging time.
Their late father, a philanthropist since his arrival from India to Canada, had been actively contributing to charities for decades.
Driven by a family legacy of giving that spanned generations and inspired by their father’s charitable spirit, Upinder and his sister Prabhdeep Gill embarked on a mission after their father’s passing. In honour of their father and with a desire to make a lasting impact, they chose to support OTMH through the Oakville Hospital Foundation.
This decision was deeply emotional. Upinder emphasizes, “I think the foundation just made it so seamless, so natural.”
To say thanks for the care and help ensure OTMH has what it needs to continue offering world-class community healthcare, the family made a significant gift. Addressing future hospital equipment needs, their generous contribution also led to the naming of the hospital courtyard near outpatient rehab in honour of their father.
Why is healthcare close to home so important?
“To the Oakville community considering supporting OTMH, Upinder shares this important message: “You can do something both from your heart and as leaders of your community.”
Upinder, his siblings, and their family aim to inspire others to give within their community. Reflecting on the awareness of government limitations in supporting hospital equipment needs, Upinder admits, “We were so focused on big global charities; we forgot what’s at our doorstep. I thought, well, the government does everything.”This realization highlights the significance of local contributions, ensuring funds directly impact the community.
Appreciating the transparency in the use of their contribution, Upinder’s daughter Priya notes, “In this case, we know where everything is going to get spent. So I think that helped make the decision.”
Their story is not just one of loss, but of a legacy of care and giving—a story that beautifully reflects the heartwarming connection between the Oakville community and the hospital that cares for its residents.
