“My father had his first heart attack and his first cardiac arrest when he was 35. Humber saved him,” remembers Kathy. “Humber looked after my family and so we looked after Humber.”

This year, Humber River Hospital Foundation recognized Kathy with a bronze Loyal Hearts pin, commemorating more than 10 consecutive years of donations. In fact, Kathy has been a donor since 1997. She made her first donation while her parents were volunteers at what is now the Finch Legacy Site.

“I donate in memory of my parents because Humber River Hospital meant so much to them,” says Kathy.

“I donate in memory of my parents because Humber River Hospital meant so much to them,” says Kathy. Barb and Don Taylor’s story is commemorated in the IC Savings Heritage Display at Humber’s Wilson Site.

Kathy’s family has given back to their community for as long as she can remember. Her mother even raised money for Humber River Hospital when she had been a Girl Guides captain. After her father’s heart attack, Kathy’s parents Barb and Don started volunteering at Humber’s Finch Legacy Site. Barb became President of the Volunteer Association and Don became the Social Convener. He came to be known as the Candy Man, adored by the staff for handing out their favourite candies to keep spirits up in the Emergency Department.

Our new Loyal Hearts Program recognizes and celebrates donors who have reached or surpassed milestone years of consecutive giving to Humber – 10, 15, 20+ years. This year, we honoured 523 donors for reaching their Loyal Hearts milestones.

Today, Kathy works at Humber River Hospital as a Clerical Associate in the Cardiology Program.

“I’ve never donated for recognition,” says Kathy, proudly wearing her Loyal Hearts pin, “but it feels really nice to be recognized.”