Sobeys has quietly donated $8 million to the Aberdeen Health Foundation in Pictou County, where the money will be used to enhance services at the Aberdeen Hospital.
“I’m absolutely thrilled, I mean, $8 million. It’s definitely the largest donation that we’ve ever received,” says Susan Green of the Aberdeen Health Foundation. “In fact, I think it’s one of the largest donations I’ve heard of anybody ever receiving.”
The Aberdeen Health Foundation helps to buy medical equipment and fund programs for the Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow.
Sobeys first donated to the hospital in 1990, with a $1-million dollar gift in honour of Frank and Irene Sobey. The company’s latest donation brings the total to more than $15 million.
“Believe me, we don’t underestimate how incredibly fortunate we are, that this company chooses to keep their main corporate operations in our county,” says Green.
In a written statement, Frank Sobey says the hospital and foundation are fundamental to the vitality of the community, and the investment was made to ensure the hospital could continue to provide that essential support.
Residents like Foster Jenkins say the donation shows Sobeys are Pictou County people.
“I think they have a certain kind of ownership, like I do. This is my county,” says Jenkins.
“They’re grounded here in Pictou County…their roots are here and I don’t see that moving to a larger city would make any difference…in the outcome of the bottom line,” says resident Dave Titus.
The Pictou County Health Authority will meet in September to determine how to best match the donation to the needs of the hospital and the community.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Dan MacIntosh
