Why I give: Pat’s legacy of compassion

At 90 years young, Patrick, also known as Pat, embodies a legacy of compassion in his Campbell River community. In addition to a 30-year career as a brewer, Pat served in the Canadian Scottish Regiment for 20 years, reaching the rank of Regimental Sergeant Major. His life is a testament to service and duty.

Born in Victoria as the youngest of nine kids, Pat’s upbringing was steeped in stories of resilience and care. His brother Walter battled asthma, which led their mother to seek care for him at the Queen Alexandra Solarium. Following treatment, Walter also served in the Canadian Armed Forces and was a soldier in the assault at Juno Beach on D-Day.

“Proof that treatment works,” says Pat.

Patrick has been supporting our work for 20 years – carrying on a tradition his mother began back in the 1930s, after Walter’s treatment at the Solarium. “It meant a lot to her for him to be able to have that treatment. [CHFVI] is a great cause. Anything for kids,” he says.

In his later years, Pat faced his own health challenges. Recalling sombre moments during chemotherapy treatment, he especially felt for the children he saw facing similar battles. For him, supporting children’s health isn’t just about the physical aspects; it’s about nurturing hope and easing the burdens of families facing challenges.

When asked about his hopes for Island children and families, Pat’s response echoes a sentiment of universal care and collective responsibility. “I just wish the government would do more,” he shares. His disappointment with systemic gaps in care fuels his resolve to continue supporting causes close to his heart.

To Pat, being a donor means honouring his past, enriching the present, and nurturing hope for the future. His legacy is not just in the donations he makes but in the lives he touches and the spirits he uplifts.

“I don’t know where the world would be without charities like the Children’s Health Foundation,” he says.