The family of late Victoria businessman Wilson Lai has made a $1-million donation to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation for vital cleaning equipment for surgeries.
Born in China in 1938, Lai worked in his family’s fabric business in Hong Kong before moving to Victoria, where he had diverse holdings, including City Centre Plaza and Gala Fabrics.
When he died in 2018, he left his estate to charitable causes both in Canada and overseas. His family motto translates to “Received from Society, Giving Back to Society.”
The donation from the Wilson Lai Trust is funding a new cart washer for the medical device reprocessing department at Royal Jubilee Hospital and a new sterilizer at Victoria General Hospital.
Island Health said the devices are used to clean and sterilize equipment for thousands of surgeries each year.
In recognition of the gift, Royal Jubilee’s 7 North Surgical Recovery Unit will be renamed the Wilson S.C. Lai Surgical Unit.
“Because of Mr. Lai’s remarkable gift, critical equipment that could no longer be serviced is now being replaced to support every surgery performed in our hospitals,” said Avery Brohman, executive director of the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, in a statement.
“We are deeply grateful for Mr. Lai’s ongoing generosity and legacy. What a humbling reminder that we have many heroes to thank for advancing health care in our Victoria hospitals, both in the community and on the front line.
“On behalf of all who are benefiting, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Lai and his family have supported local health care for more than 15 years, funding not only medical equipment but education opportunities, including scholarships for nurses advancing their education for work in emergency departments and intensive care.
Their contribution prompted the naming of the Lai Brothers Lecture Theatre at Royal Jubilee.
The foundation said donors such as Lai are important to its work. Donor funding pays for 40 per cent of hospital equipment.
Inspired by hospital staff, the foundation has launched a fundraising and awareness initiative called Hospital Heroes of Victoria to ensure front-line workers have the support they need. Also underway is the It’s Critical Campaign, which aims to fund a high-acuity unit for people with failing organs.
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