Pericles once said, “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” 

Ross Memorial Hospital has seen a tradition of giving from the community and beyond since it opened in 1902.  At that time, James Ross, in consultation with the town council, decided that he would fund the $80,000 cost of establishing a community hospital in memory of his parents.  

Ray & Jessie Harris of Janetville, have continued this tradition of giving through their ongoing support of Ross Memorial Hospital.  Since 1993, they have been active donors to the Hospital. 

The Harris’ have supported capital campaigns such as the Caring for Tomorrow campaign, and have also provided funds to support the equipment needs of the Hospital on a number of occasions. 

The Ross Memorial Hospital and Foundation appreciate the support of community members like Ray and Jessie Harris who continually recognize a need and aim to fill it.  For example, in 1998, the Harris’ recognized a need and donated the funds to purchase a specialized wheelchair for physiotherapy patients.

“The support of Ray & Jessie Harris serves as an inspiration to others in the community, showing that every gift makes a difference,” said Foundation Executive Director Erin Coons.  “Their continued support of Ross Memorial Hospital has been appreciated by both physicians and staff.”

The most recent initiative from the Harris family comes through the creation of an educational bursary. The Ray & Jessie Harris Medical Student Bursary was provided to qualifying local medical students with the hope that they will choose to practice medicine in the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Ray & Jessie Harris saw this as an opportunity to have an impact in their community.  After the funds were donated, a hospital committee reviewed the applications and chose recipients.  Ray & Jessie Harris said that they were aware of other programs such as the TD Grants in Medical Excellence and the Watson Bursary, and recognized a need above and beyond those funds for those exceptionally burdened by the expense of medical school.

The Ray & Jessie Harris Medical Bursary was then awarded to three students for the 2005-2006 school year.  These individuals have appreciated the support they have received from the Harris’ as they continue toward their goal of practicing medicine and serving those in need.  All applicants were enrolled in a Canadian School of Medicine and are residents of the City of Kawartha Lakes.

Hospital President & CEO Anthony Vines had the opportunity to thank the Harris’ today, one of his final duties as he begins his retirement on September 1st.  “One of the most inspiring parts of this job has been witnessing the generosity of this community,” added Vines.  “People like Ray & Jessie Harris, and so many others in our community have continually come forward to ensure that our physicians and staff have the equipment and facilities they need to exceed the health care expectations of the community.  Our patients are the beneficiaries of this generosity, and I am pleased to be here today to recognize this support.”

But in addition to these monetary gifts, the Ray and Jessie Harris have also supported local health care through their participation as Ross Memorial Hospital Auxiliary members.  Both Ray and Jessie have also given their most precious gift – their time  - to care for and assist patients, families and visitors of Ross Memorial Hospital.