health-care sector. In this spirit, the creation of a new unit at Bridgepoint accepts patients directly from Mount Sinai’s emergency department in an effort to avoid unnecessary admissions to acute care hospitals for certain patients. Similarly, encouraging plans are well underway to design new models of care that will provide a more seamless experience for orthopaedic, intensive care, complex medical and palliative care patients.
Opening the doors to a campus of wellness
For more than a decade Bridgepoint Active Healthcare has been on a journey to create an environment designed to inspire health and innovation, support healing and act as a welcoming, accessible focal point for patients, staff and the community. In July, a generous donation from the Spiro Tanenbaum Family Foundation funded the installation of a spectacular sculpture garden, meant to symbolize the vitality of the human spirit and the strength of the human body, inspiring health and wellness for all. A few months later, we marked the official close of the Bridgepoint Redevelopment Project with the final completion of the roads, landscaping and new public park. Many of our supporters were proudly on hand as we “officially” opened the front doors and changed our address to 1 Bridgepoint Drive.
Raising awareness through our community of supporters
Throughout the year, we look forward to hosting a number of trademark events that draw much-needed funds and awareness to our patient programs, facilities, research, academic pursuits and capital. The not-to-be-missed The Great Jewellery Heist, for example, gives attendees the opportunity to socialize at an elegant luncheon and participate in an auction of tempting jewels donated by leading designers, jewelers and style setters.
Other events, such as our annual Hero Ride, hit closer to home for some of our supporters. For the past three years, Ian Lightstone has embarked on the 250 km bicycle ride in memory of his son, Jeremy. “When our son, Jeremy, had brain cancer, he lost the ability to walk, and Bridgepoint really helped with his rehabilitation and physiotherapy,” says Ian. “The hospital was also there for us from an emotional standpoint when our son passed away.”
Each May, Ian joins a group of passionate cyclists for an epic ride from King City to Collingwood, and back. The ride through spectacular scenery is supported by Pfaff Porsche pace cars, and raises $250,000 for the exceptional rehabilitation and complex care that Bridgepoint provides.
Marian Walsh, Tessa Virtue and Catherine Nugent at Heist
After losing their son, Ian and his wife started an initiative to name the internet cafe at Bridgepoint in his memory since he worked in the IT field before his death. Their Hero Ride team, Team Jeremy, has raised almost $500,000 to date.
