Cochrane’s Marcel and Frances Labelle sure know the value of investing in a regional hospital.

The result of a recent $2 million dollar donation from their foundation—the Marcel and Frances Labelle Foundation—came to life Wednesday with the opening of the new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) area at Timmins and District Hospital.

The money helped purchase new MRI equipment and make enhancements to the John P. Larche Medical Imaging and Cardiopulmonary Department.

“We are very grateful for this very generous donation which has allowed the Timmins and District Hospital to meet the growing needs of our patients and the community,” Manager of the department Guy Guindon stated in a release.

The TADH Foundation was extra pleased with the donation, as it helped close their 2013-2016 Capital Campaign and reaching their $15 million dollar goal.

“It has been a pleasure and honour to work with Mr. and Mrs. Labelle to find the most fitting tribute to their generosity and to help build a legacy that will help future generations,” TADH Foundation Executive Director Janna Burke says.

Marcel and Frances’ son Darcy was also in attendance Wednesday, along with TADH Board members, doctors, staff and administration.

Darcy states the donation was made by his parents because they “wanted to make a significant impact in the healthcare available to the people of Cochrane, Timmins and throughout Northern Ontario.”

“Thank you to all the people who worked to bring this together from arranging the donation to this celebration honouring them, as well as the plaque which is a beautiful tribute to them,” he continued, “I am very grateful and proud to be the son of such generous and loving parents.”

Filed under: Local News