From left: Dr. Jeremy Bannon, Dr. Lila Haj-Ahamad, Camle Houlou-Ajjouri, Dr. Zak Haj-Ahmad and Miriam Haj-Ahmad present their $2 million donation in support of the South Niagara Hospital on behalf of the Haj-Ahmad Family Foundation.
Representatives from Walker Industries and the Niagara Health Foundation at the South Niagara Hospital construction site. From left: Niagara Health Foundation Board Chair Rachel Stuchberry, Niagara Health Foundation CEO Andrea Scott, Walker Industries' Geordie Walker, Wendy Mitchell and Ian Walker, and 'It's Our Future' fundraising campaign co-chair Harry Oakes.
Niagara Health is grateful for two recent community gifts supporting the construction of the new South Niagara Hospital.
The Haj-Ahmad Family Foundation and Walker Industries have each contributed $2 million, demonstrating outstanding community leadership and a shared dedication to strengthening healthcare for patients and families across Niagara.
Haj-Ahmad Family Foundation supports care close to home
The Haj-Ahmad Family Foundation has provided a generous $2 million gift to support both the South Niagara Hospital and the Niagara Health Knowledge Institute (NHKI), announced in November.
In recognition of this contribution, Niagara Health will name several areas in honour of the Family Foundation, including the Angiography Area of Diagnostic Imaging and the Laboratory at the South Niagara Hospital, as well as the Marotta Family Hospital Laboratory.
Dr. Yousef Haj-Ahmad says the family’s decision to give is rooted in the desire to ensure the community continues to have access to compassionate, high-quality care close to home.
“Our motivation comes from knowing that, one day, any of us, our family, friends, or neighbours could need care at the South Niagara Hospital,” he says, adding the project feels deeply personal because “it’s about more than bricks and mortar; it’s about ensuring that when people in our community are at their most vulnerable, they receive compassionate, high-quality care close to home.”
Haj-Ahmad also says their children and grandchildren inspired the family’s involvement.
“Our grandchildren are the biggest inspiration behind our engagement. Thinking about the kind of community we want them to grow up in, a place where compassionate, high-quality care is always available, motivates us to give back,” he explains.
Haj-Ahmad notes that several of their children work as physicians, which has shown them firsthand the impact excellent healthcare can have on families and communities.
The Haj-Ahmad Family Foundation has long supported education, health and community development across Niagara, contributing to initiatives at Brock University, Niagara College, Big Brothers Big Sisters Niagara and the Canada Summer Games Park.
Their donation continues that legacy of giving back.
Walker Industries invests in Niagara’s healthcare future
Walker Industries, a fifth-generation family-owned company with deep roots in the region, also recently contributed $2 million to support the South Niagara Hospital, announcing their donation in October.
The company has a longstanding history of supporting local healthcare initiatives, including the Walker Family Cancer Centre and several community health partners.
Geordie Walker, President and CEO of Walker Industries, says the organization is honoured to support a facility that will help build a healthier future for the region.
“For 138 years, we’ve operated in Niagara, growing alongside the community through five generations,” he says, explaining that “there is an urgent need for elder care and critical care as the Niagara Region continues to grow.”
Walker adds that “with this new facility, there will be abundant care for our neighbours, employees and families in the area,” and that the company is proud to support “one of the country’s most innovative healthcare facilities, building community care in Niagara for generations to come.”
Walker Industries also fosters giving through employee volunteer opportunities and regional charitable programs, reflecting the company’s long-standing commitment to community wellbeing.
Niagara Health is deeply appreciative of both contributions. Andrea Scott, President and CEO of the Niagara Health Foundation, says the generosity shown by the Haj-Ahmad Family Foundation and Walker Industries reflects the very best of Niagara.
“These gifts represent the generosity, compassion and leadership that truly make a difference.
Their support will help create a hospital that reflects the spirit of this community and strengthens care for years to come,” Scott says.
Campaign Co-Chairs Mayor Jim Diodati and Harry Oakes also expressed their gratitude, emphasizing that community support continues to be essential as the hospital moves toward opening in 2028.
