Fundraising underway to assist in redevelopment of Stratford General Hospital Courtyard Garden

The Stratford General Hospital (SGH) Courtyard Garden is a source of peace and rejuvenation for staff, caregivers and family as well as goal setting for patients. Accessibility has, however, proven to be a challenge now that tree roots have grown and brickwork has been affected.

Leigh-Anne Davidson, someone who finds its accessibility a challenge, has stepped up to assist in the redevelopment project with a fundraiser.

“Every time I go, I am disheartened by the state of the courtyard. It sucks for everyone that’s there. It’s risky for everyone. A couple of years ago I met with someone to discuss it. We met in the courtyard, and I told her it’s really dangerous out here. They are lucky someone didn’t fall. I went out the door in a wheelchair and I couldn’t stop and I almost hit the metal by the tree. A couple years later I brought it to their attention again and I was told that they are planning renovations. It just takes time,” explained Davidson.

She hopes to get people on board and help through donations with the reconstruction of the gardens. Her modest goal of $1,000 has been exceeded but hasn’t shown signs of slowing down. The fundraiser is in partnership with the SGH Foundation and provides tax receipts.

“While the hospital has applied for government funding to support the courtyard revitalization, community support allows the hospital to make an even greater investment in patient spaces and care. Together, these funding sources help strengthen our hospital for everyone who relies on it,” wrote Davidson on her JustGiving fundraising page.

The work on the garden will be of benefit to all, especially those in wheelchairs or walkers. The brickwork will be replaced with smooth concrete, aging trees will be removed and replaced, and additional seating, lighting and appropriate drainage will be incorporated. Existing artwork will be saved and incorporated in the new garden.

The work is expected to begin mid-March and could cost between $200,000 and $250,000, with a timeline of about six to eight weeks to complete. Most of the funds required will come out of the hospital’s operating budget, annual allotments, along with the fundraiser. The contractor selected for the project is A Touch of Dutch Landscaping and Gardening, which is local to Stratford.

“The courtyard was built in the late ‘80s and has been a wonderful part of the property for patients, visitors, caregivers and staff, but now we’re seeing wear and tear. Brickwork needs to be replaced so really it was a factor of time and had reached that point where we felt it was important for us to upgrade it,” said Andrew Williams, Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) president and CEO.

“It’s great that Leigh-Anne has taken this on and we are grateful for any assistance from the community that will help go towards the costs we are incurring. We will work with her and the foundation to see if there is anything specifically she wants to use it for,” added Williams.

The hospital and staff are excited about this revitalization and the effect it will have for anyone that uses the space. To donate to the fundraiser, search the justgiving.com page for Leigh-Anne Davidson Hospital Fundraiser.