North Shore plumber donates $25 million to Lions Gate Hospital Foundation

A North Shore plumber has put his money where his heart is, with a record breaking contribution to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation.

Paul Myers, owner of North Shore-based Keith Plumbing and Heating, donated $25 million to the Lions Gate Hospital Foundation, which will be used towards the construction of a patient facility, and future redevelopment to the Lions Gate Hospital Site.

The donation marks the largest donation by an individual to a hospital foundation in the history of British Columbia.

“I’m just a plumber who worked hard and had some good luck in my life,” said Myers in a press release. “When I thought about where I could have the greatest impact, I immediately thought of Lions Gate Hospital. I learned about the impact the Foundation is having and its exciting plans for the future and know this is where I want to make a difference.”

To recognize the contribution, the Lions Gate Hospital’s South Acute Tower will be renamed Paul Myers Tower, and transferred to a future patient facility.

“This type of ongoing community participation is essential to us achieving our vision for LGH,” said Mike Nader, Chief Operating Officer, VCH-Coastal in the release. “It’s only by working together with the Foundation as our partner and other key stakeholders that we’ll be able to meet the health care requirements of the North Shore and our other VCH-Coastal communities.”

When asked for the inspiration behind his contribution, Myers answer was simple.

“Well, I can’t take it with me,” he said.

Largest indiv gift ever in #BC for @LGHFoundation.@naomiyamamoto @jthornthwaite @ralph_sultan@jordansturdy pic.twitter.com/hDp3wk13dX

— Terry Lake (@TerryLakeMLA) September 17, 2015