On behalf of his siblings and step-siblings, Brett McGee describes his mother and step-father’s decision to leave a gift to the PRHC Foundation as part of their estate planning:
There are some people whose generosity and love for their community shine through in everything they do. Our mom and step-mom, Laurel, and father and step-father, Alan, were two of those people.
Laurel came from humble beginnings, immigrating to Canada from Ireland. She was a hardworking woman who raised two boys as a single mom, always making sure our home was safe and full of love. Alan, originally from England, similarly immigrated to Canada as a young boy. When the two met and eventually married in the mid-1980s, they became a phenomenal team, supporting each other, our blended family and everyone around them.
Their house was always a warm and welcoming place; they loved to entertain and cherished family gatherings there. They were extremely proud to call Peterborough home. They knew every street and every business by heart. Their sense of responsibility extended to those places and people that mattered most to them, including Peterborough Regional Health Centre. They relied on PRHC often, especially in their later years.
As they approached their final few months—Laurel passed in December 2024 and Alan just a few months later in June 2025—we came to learn they had left a final gift of incredible generosity to the PRHC Foundation through their life insurance policy. It felt completely true to who they were: kind, generous and proud to support their community.
Their thoughtful decision brings comfort in a difficult time. Even though we’ve lost them, their memory will endure amongst their friends and family, and their legacy will continue to support their hospital, making the community they loved even stronger.
For more information or to share your legacy giving story, please contact Lesley Heighway, President & CEO, at 705-743-2121, ext. 3859 or send her an email.