A virtual Open House was hosted by the SMGH Foundation last week for 50 homeowners in the 61 Brennan Drive area about the Building Foundations project. The project is a partnership between the Foundation and Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School to provide a hands-on experience for students in the Construction Technology Co-Op Education Program, working alongside local trades an experienced general contractors and to raise funds from the proceeds of the sale of the home for the purchase of a new digital radiology suite at the Hospital. This home will be built at the Brennan Drive location and donated by Strathroy-Caradoc. While no donated funds will be used to cover the cost of this project, the profits will be donated to the Foundation and used to fulfill its mission to provide leading edge patient care equipment for the hospital. Please visit our website for more information and comments from Hospital and School representatives.
Locally, Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Foundation is responsible for raising community donations to cover the costs of vital patient care equipment for SMGH. Provincially, hospital operating costs are publicly funded while patient care equipment purchases are not and must be paid for with donations from the community.
Many Community Partners have started to express their interest in this project. Any contribution to this project, whether cash, in-kind donation of construction materials, or volunteering skilled labour will help to lower the cost of the home. This will contribute to the funds available for the purchase of much needed medical equipment after the house is sold.
“We are excited to partner with Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School and its construction technology students! Not only will the project raise funds for patient care equipment but will also be helping to provide hands-on experience to students considering a career in the construction industry. I must also express my sincere appreciation to the Strathroy-Caradoc Council members who have enthusiastically embraced this new and exciting opportunity.”
-Susan McLean, CEO SMGH Foundation
“We need to show students and their parents that becoming a tradesperson, a carpenter, a plumber, or an electrician can be as fulfilling as becoming a doctor, lawyer or an engineer.”
-Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development.
“Building Foundations is a concept to bring many community partners together to complete a project in support of our local hospital. Together we will accomplish that which is unattainable individually.”
-Mike McGuire, Chair, Building Foundations Committee
“The Home Building course is an amazing opportunity for students to gain knowledge in multiple trade disciplines. This allows students to make a more informed choice on which trade they would like to pursue in the future.”
-Mike Stevenson, Department Head Technology /Co-Op Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School
“When I started this year, I thought I wanted to be a diesel mechanic, but after working with [Jeff from JF Homes] I figured out how much I liked plumbing. Before I officially graduated from Holy Cross I was registered as an apprentice plumber and I’m working full-time.”
– Christian S. Former Construction technology student
“The Home Build allowed me to get enough experience to start my OYAP Level 1 at Fanshawe for carpentry. I now have the first level of my apprenticeship completed and I’ve only just graduated [high school]. This will make me a far more appealing hire for any framing company.”
– Jason S. Former Construction technology student