Major Canadian philanthropists and long-time west-enders Rayla and George Myhal are making a significant investment in St. Joe’s with a transformative matching donation. Their $10 million challenge gift—the largest match the hospital has ever received—will double to $20 million with support from other generous donors, helping to improve health care in Toronto’s west end.
“St. Joe’s is more than just a community hospital to us,” says Rayla Myhal. “I worked in the old labour and delivery department on the fifth floor of the Morrow wing as a young nursing student over 30 years ago. At that time, the facilities were modest, but the care provided by the incredible staff was truly exceptional.”
Fast forward to when her daughter Asha was born in the Garron Family Our Lady of Mercy Wing, which opened in 2012. At that time, Rayla and George saw a glimpse of the future of healthcare. “We honoured that important moment for our family by donating to name the Myhal Family Birthing Centre, a recognition of the outstanding work of St. Joe’s nurses and doctors.”
Their commitment to St. Joe’s has only grown over the years. George served on the St. Joseph’s Promise Campaign Cabinet, which raised over $100 million, while Rayla joined the St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation Board in 2023. In addition to their philanthropic leadership, the Myhal’s have been active supporters of the Foundation’s Cycle 4 St. Joe’s event, including leading fundraising efforts and inspiring participants with a $50,000 matching challenge.
Rayla says their $10 million commitment is about the future.
“St. Joe’s is a cornerstone of this community, but its facilities have reached capacity. It’s time to create new spaces that reflect the extraordinary care happening inside its walls.”
– Rayla Myhal, Myhal Family Foundation
“George and I want to inspire our community to give generously. That’s why the Myhal Family Foundation is matching all donations to support the future of care at St. Joe’s.”
“Rayla and George exemplify the best of what it means to be both national and community leaders,” says Maria Dyck, President and CEO of the St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation. “They are long-standing champions of great causes who see the possibilities of what St. Joe’s can accomplish in changing lives. Their generosity now gives us all the opportunity to create something extraordinary.”
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