Thank You, Sunrise Rotary

Grief is a difficult journey David Houston knows all too well. David, the eldest of three sons to David and Jenny Houston, is the lone surviving member of his immediate family.

His father and brother, Teddy, both passed away in 2018 and more recently, he lost his mom in October 2023, and his brother, John, just three weeks later. Prior to these recent losses, David spent a lot of time at Northumberland Hills Hospital visiting Jenny and John, who were battling leukemia and pancreatic cancer, respectively.

As a frequent visitor during their admissions, he saw the difference having a well-equipped local hospital makes for our community and resolved to later do something to support the hospital, something special. He did not know what that special act would be until this past April when Dr. Andrew Stratford and fellow Rotarian, Hank Vandermeer, made a presentation to the Rotary Club of Northumberland Sunrise.

David, a charter member of this Rotary Club since 2000, even serving as the Club’s President in 2004, listened intently as Dr. Stratford and Hank asked for the Club’s financial support to purchase Operating Room stretchers – outlining the important role these stretchers play in supporting the safe transfer of surgical patients during their care.  The NHH Foundation was hoping to purchase five (5) stretchers at a price of almost $9,000 each.

Impressed with the presentation, David knew this was the idea he was looking for to honour his mother and brother’s memory.

“After how wonderful the staff looked after my mom and brother, I wanted to do something in their memory,” said Houston.

He committed to donating the first $5,000 and challenged his fellow Club members to also donate.

“Sunrise Rotarians have a history of rising to the occasion when asked and this time was no exception. Within only a matter of months, over $48,000 was raised – meaning all five of the OR stretchers were 100% funded by the Club,” President, Denise O’Brien proudly shares.  “David’s generosity inspired our Club to follow his lead and do our part to help purchase the much needed Operating Room stretchers.  Without hesitation, the Club rose to the challenge.”

The entire Hospital family is grateful to David and all Sunrise Rotarians for answering the call when asked. It’s an honour to be included in your generosity.