Submitted by: Meaford Hospital Foundation
People have grown accustomed to seeing headlines about multi-millionaires making large donations to charity. But it’s people like Wayne Acheson who sometimes have the most impact, especially in smaller communities.
Wayne was 76 when he passed away last February in Meaford. And in a remarkable final act of generosity, he left a $15,000 gift in his Will to the Meaford Hospital Foundation.
“It was pretty much most of his savings, once everything was paid, but no matter how big or small the amount, it all counts,” said his sister, Liz Banks. “He was that type of guy. He knew that our community hospitals need support to keep them going.”
The Foundation raises funds for medical equipment and facility upgrades at Meaford Hospital, a part of Brightshores Health System. Currently, fundraising is focused on improvements in the Emergency Department.
“Only with the help of our community can we keep our hospital well equipped to meet the needs of patients,” said Foundation Chair Joelle Adelson. “Wayne Acheson’s legacy is one of better care for his friends and neighbours! I hope everyone from Meaford and Town of the Blue Mountains will celebrate his donation with us.”
“Wayne did not have an easy life growing up,” Banks said. “He had multiple disabilities and faced many challenges, including being bullied when he was a boy. But he did not become bitter from that experience. As far as people went, he just loved everybody. He was a very social guy.”
Wayne filled his days being around people and listening to country music. He loved to sing and Liz says he would attend jam sessions with her son’s band and then get up to sing karaoke. She recalls he had a good voice, “He always sang in tune – he knew all the words.”
He also spent a lot of time with his good friend and caregiver, Theresa Quinn. She was a big part of his life over the last 40 years and they enjoyed taking trips together.
In his last few years, he was in and out of Meaford Hospital with different health challenges. Understanding the needs of smaller hospitals, he decided it was a place worthy of his support.
Wayne’s legacy is something special. As Liz notes, you don’t have to be wealthy to make a difference in your community. “There are situations where you might think you couldn’t do something wonderful in the end, but Wayne showed us that you can,” she said. “He would be so happy if he was here!”
Learn more about how you could support the future of Meaford Hospital by including a gift for the Foundation in your will, visit www.mhfoundation.ca/legacy or call us at 519-538-1311 ext. 4208.
