Passion for local health care drives $500,000 gift for new CT Scanner

Local philanthropists, Brock and Willa Napier, have a passion for Muskoka health care initiatives. It was this passion that initiated a leadership donation to the South Muskoka Hospital Foundation (SMHF). In a small reception today at Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare's South Muskoka Memorial Hospital Site, the Napiers presented a cheque for $500,000 to the Foundation.

"It brings us great joy," says Brock Napier, "to do this while we're still alive rather than to put it in our will. It helps others and encourages other donors to hop on board as well. In order for hospitals to survive nowadays, they need private individuals to contribute, so we felt we had to do what we can."

The Napiers, year-round Muskoka residents from Minett, have specified that their gift be directed toward replacing the existing CT scanner, which is now more than nine years old. The proposal to replace the CT scanner is part of the upcoming 'Get Better' capital campaign to support $6.5 million of technology improvements at the hospital. A new CT scanner will not only reduce radiation exposure to patients by 70 percent but will also operate 10 times faster, thereby reducing patient discomfort and allowing for clearer images. The total cost for the new CT will be approximately $1 million.

"We are extremely grateful," said Colin Miller, SMHF Executive Director, "to have people like the Napiers living in the community and supporting the hospital. They value health care initiatives and are willing to step forward and encourage others to do so as well."

Natalie Bubela, Chief Executive Officer at MAHC, says gifts like the Napiers’ are critical to ensuring that life-saving equipment is available when patients need it.

“A CT scanner is a critical piece of equipment to a community hospital,” Bubela says. “Support like the Napiers’ is making it easier for us to stay current with technology and a new CT is a great example of how technology can enhance our ability to provide excellent patient care.”

The Napiers retired from Thornhill to Muskoka in 1996 after Brock sold his business, which was involved with manufacturing and supplying industrial equipment and supplies to manufacturers. He and Willa originally had a cottage in Torrance (near Bala) from 1987 to 1997. Then in 1997, they moved to their current home in Minett. The Napiers are also supporting another significant health care initiative: the Brock & Willa Wellness Centre in Port Carling - comprised of a nursing station, a palliative care facility and a seniors' residence. 

"I believe both projects fit well together," says Napier of the hospital and the wellness centre. "We want them to work in a cooperative way. That's why my wife and I are supporting both."

For the Napiers, philanthropy extends beyond health care initiatives. They have supported the construction of the new facility for the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Bracebridge as well as the Muskoka Lakes Museum, along with other causes. Willa and Brock Napier enjoy the company of their various pets and Willa has a passion for gardening. Between them, they have three children and three grandchildren.