Grand Farewell to old North Van General Hospital a “tremendous” success
Menacing skies and rain greeted the early arrivals at the start of the Grand Farewell to the old North Vancouver General Hospital on Sunday, but it wasn’t long before the umbrellas were put away and the crowds arrived for what turned out to be a wonderful day and a trip down memory lane for many North Shore residents.
“We’ve never done an event where we’ve closed down a street before to host an Invitational Car Show (with 75 cars representing every year the NVGH/Activation Building was open) and we didn’t quite know what to expect,” says Judy Savage, president of the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation, which organized the event. “Our goal was to invite the community to pay tribute to the important role the North Vancouver General Hospital – and later the Activation Building – played in our community from 1929 – 2014. The response was amazing.”
A few of the classic cars on display at the Grand Farewell.
Close to 2,500 people came out and more than 400 of them were people who were born at NVGH, and their families. Visitors reunited with neighbours and old friends while countless others shared their stories about being cared for at the hospital or of their experiences working there.
“It was a tremendous success – not just for LGH but for our community as a whole,” says Judy.
While many ogled the display of 75 classic cars and vintage emergency vehicles, the historical displays inside the old building were also a top draw, with hundreds of people writing about their memories of the place on the inside walls or putting their name on the list of babies born at NVGH.
Visitors had the chance to write down memories on the inside walls of the old NVGH.
The event was made possible thanks to the time and energy of more than 100 volunteers, many of them LGH staff – past and present.
“Thank you to everyone who helped make this event happen,” says Judy. “We truly appreciate your support.”
Leanne Appleton, Director – LGH Redevelopment Project, was equally impressed with the turnout.
“This community event was so well embraced by our current staff, physicians and volunteers as well as our North Shore community,” says Leanne. “It was so moving to see so many past patients and families write their stories of appreciation on the walls and hearing their memorable experiences. It was an incredible uplifting event as a leader.”
Retired LGH physician Dr. John Maynard shared a funny story about the “magical walls” in the NVGH.
Karin Olson, Chief Operating Officer for Coastal, speaks at the Grand Farewell to the old NVGH Sunday.
Paul Myers was all smiles at the Grand Farewell on Sunday.