Visionary Gift for a Healthier Community

Diane Harvey loves Guelph. She grew up on Division Street, went to school, built a career, married and raised a daughter here. Diane has tirelessly volunteered for organizations she felt made Guelph a better place. She presently serves on the board of Torchlight Services and volunteered at the Canadian Cancer Society and Meals on Wheels. Previously, she volunteered on several initiatives with Knox Presbyterian Church, the River Run Centre, the Art Gallery of Guelph, and is a member of 100 Women Who Care, just to name a few. Now, Diane has chosen to invest in her community once again by leaving a gift in her will to The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital.

Leaving a charitable bequest in a will, like Diane, helps ensure ‘a healthier community for everyone’, the vision of both the Foundation and Guelph General Hospital. Diane, who made her first donation to the Foundation in 1991, shares, “I am happy I can give in my will and do this for the future of Guelph. I have also left a gift for my church. It feels great to be able to give back to this community in this way.”

“I know the local community has to contribute to make sure we have a great hospital. My parents both passed away at Guelph General and the care they received was excellent. Their deaths were handled with such sensitivity by the staff.”

Diane herself has been on the receiving end of great care at the General when she suffered a minor stroke and spent several days as an inpatient. She also had her cataract surgery there, sharing, “Both times I was so well looked after. I was so impressed with the nurses, handling everything as the floor was closed to any visitors because of COVID. My brother who was born developmentally delayed, was handled so professionally and with such kindness when he needed care there too.”

Diane was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in 1936. After she graduated high school she enrolled in the Guelph Collegiate Vocational Institute’s one-year Special Commercial course. She later was hired by the Guelph Board of Education and her 42+year career in education administration was launched. Diane worked various roles within the Upper Grand District School Board, retiring as a Statistical Assistant in the Planning Department.

Despite the demands of working and volunteering, Diane chose to become a mother as well. She and her former husband, Don, adopted a 10-year-old girl named Brenda from the foster care system. Diane is now a proud grandmother and great grandmother and is also using her will to support the futures of her great grandchildren.

“Leaving a gift to the hospital foundation in my will was a way for to continue to make a big difference after I’m gone. I am able to both help out my five great grandchildren and still support the General.”

Diane has written the last page of the story of her life to reflect her value of giving to others and of her love for the Guelph community. We are so grateful when donors, like Diane, think of The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital as they plan their estate.

To learn more about how you can help ensure a healthier community for everyone, and for free resources on making a charitable bequest to The Foundation of Guelph General, visit Leave a Gift in Your Will, or contact Matt Peltomaki at 519-837-6422 or [email protected].