TD Bank Financial Group believes in investing in people rather than in traditional "bricks and mortar" campaigns. In October 2000, a decision was made that all donations to hospitals from TD be provided under a new program - TD Grants in Medical Excellence; coinciding with major capital campaigns. These grants benefit nurses, doctors and caregivers working in hospitals to provide quality health care services to their patients.

Ross Memorial's donation of a TD Grant in Medical Excellence is designated to Nursing Skills and Education. Each year for the next five years, the Hospital Foundation will be receiving $6,000 from the TD Grant in Medical Excellence program to be disbursed to a nurse or nurses in the amounts of $1,000 to $6,000 per individual to upgrade their skills through an educational course or conference.

"We are excited and proud to support the caregivers at Ross Memorial Hospital. It is because of those who deliver such excellent care that the Ross has such a great reputation," says Chuck Piercy. "The generosity of so many people and corporations has made the capital campaign a success and the expansion of the Hospital's facilities a reality. At TD, we applaud the continued dedication of the nurses, doctors and staff at the Ross and the efforts of everyone involved in the campaign process, especially the hard-working volunteers."

"We are truly appreciative of the donation from TD Bank towards nursing excellence," says Drew Gunsolus, Chair, Caring for Tomorrow Campaign Committee. "We have always believed that the Caring for Tomorrow campaign is more about the people who provide the care, who time and again go above and beyond. It is more about heart and will than about bricks and mortar - about lives saved and lives changed through the extraordinary people who make the Ross more than just a hospital."

As a resident of Lindsay and one who was born at the Ross, Chuck Piercy has a personal vested interest in the growth of the Hospital. "My sister and I, as well as a number of other relatives, were all born at the Ross. Both my mother and one of my aunts worked at the Hospital as registered nurses; and on a number of occasions my family and I have needed the Hospital and we may need it again in the future."

"The Hospital's upcoming expansion is having and will continue to have many positive effects on the community," continues Mr. Piercy. "There has already been an influx of new medical practitioners to the Ross and our community and there will be a very positive economic impact to the community."

Ross Memorial's expansion project will create a one-time local impact of about $27 million. Once built, the additional volumes of patient care will result in local economic impact of more than $26 million each year in the future. The expansion will also provide approximately 100 new full-time positions within the Hospital, and will attract new physicians and specialists to the Hospital and the area, as well as prospective new residents and businesses to the area.

The expansion will include the doubling in size of the emergency department; a mental health facility; a new complex continuing care wing that will accommodate rehabilitation and palliative care; a new outpatient centre; more inpatient beds; and a new suite for the CT scanner.

"We at Toronto Dominion believe that the new, expanded Ross Memorial Hospital will continue with excellence in health care for our entire community," says Mr. Piercy.