Two local organizations are the recipients of community donations that will support the improved delivery of services.
The Durham Hospital Foundation announced it’s received a $250,000 contribution by Richard Rooney and his family, while the Bruce County Public Library accepted a $5,000 contribution made in memory of a late, prominent teacher in Southampton.
The donation made to the foundation will be used to generally improve the level of health care given to area residents, according to a release.
Durham Hospital Foundation Executive Director Anne Marie Watson says while she was unable to go into how the funds will be allocated, Rooney has been a good donor for many years to the hospital foundation.
Foundation Chair and President Raj Rajput says, “we are very grateful to Richard Rooney and his family for their generous gift. A gift of this size is transformational, and will have a significant impact on local health care and the Durham Hospital.”
The $5,000 donation made to the Bruce County Public Library Southampton Branch, was in memory of local teacher, Betty McCulloch.
McCulloch passed in 2018 and was a teacher and educator in the county, and become the first woman to hold the post of principal, according to a release.
She spent several years at GC Huston Public School in Southampton, where she became a voice for students, and developed a special education program, which would end up being used across the county.
McCulloch achieved her BA and MA in education while raising six children and volunteered at local organizations including the Women’s Institute, Historical Society and Southampton Hospital Auxiliary, sometimes as the President.
The funds will be used to improve the children’s area at the library.
Library Director Brooke McLean says, “this generous contribution will carry Betty’s legacy of learning and literacy forward, significantly enhancing the children’s area of the Southampton Branch to be enjoyed for years to come.”