George Powell has called Sandy Beach in McNab Braeside home for many years, but in 2020 his journey took an unexpected turn that deepened his connection to Arnprior Regional Health (ARH).
In August of 2020, George visited the Arnprior Hospital for a heart stress test and ultrasound. Within weeks, he found himself traveling back and forth to the University of Ottawa Heart Institute for additional tests, ultimately leading to triple bypass surgery during the height of COVID. Shortly after his procedure, George returned to Arnprior, where complications brought him back to the Emergency Department for further treatment. Over the course of several months, George became intimately familiar with the care teams at ARH.
What stood out most for him was not only the high level of professional care, but also the warmth and compassion of staff across every department. From housekeeping and kitchen staff who greeted him by name, to physicians like Dr. Greenough, Dr. McCarthy, and Dr. Gordon who spent extra time discussing his condition and supporting his wellbeing.
Inspired by this care, George reached out to the Arnprior Regional Health Foundation to see how he could give back. Since then, he has become a dedicated supporter, contributing annually.
Reflecting on his experience, George shares:
“The level of personal care in our small community hospital far outshines the big city institute. The quality practices and training here in Arnprior are outstanding, and we must support what we have here at home, both financially and with goodwill. Please don’t wait to learn this the hard way, like I did. Every donation makes a difference.”
We are deeply grateful to George for his generosity, his advocacy, and his passion for ensuring exceptional care remains close to home for our community.