Dr Ho Donates $50,000 to Fort St. John Hospital Foundation

One of Fort St. John's longest serving dentists has established a new $50,000 endowment fund at the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation.

The Foundation said Tuesday the generous gift comes from Dr. Leslie Ho, and will help to to buy vital medical, diagnostic, and surgical equipment for the hospital and Peace Villa care home.

“We are delighted in establishing a named endowment fund in Dr. Ho’s name as his legacy to this community,” said executive director Niki Hedges.

Dr. Ho first visited Fort St. John in 1978 after graduating from the UBC School of Dentistry and travelling around the province in a mobile dental trailer. He fell in love with the city, and the following year set up his own dental practice. After 42 years, he has been one of the longest service dentists in Fort St. John, the Foundation said, and will officially retire this summer to spend more time with family and his new grandchild.

Dr. Ho's contribution makes for the ninth endowment fund at the Foundation. The Foundation says interest from these invested funds will sustain help sustain it for the long-term and through difficult economic times.

“We are honored that Dr. Ho has chosen the Foundation as the recipient of such a generous gift," said Chris Maundrell, board chair. "Charitable giving via gifts of publicly traded securities is a great and effective way to donate versus cash gifts."

The Foundation has an endowment fund in its name, as well as others recognizing Edmondo & Giovanna Mucci, Betty Pimm, Henry Petrie, Jean Gardner, Evelyn Hadland, Arthur Hadland, and Energetic Services.

Email Managing Editor Matt Preprost at editor@ahnfsj.ca.