January 27, 1998
Lombard Insurance Chair in Paediatric Research established at The Hospital for Sick Children
TORONTO - The hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) today announced a $2-million gift from Lombard Insurance, the largest in the company's history. The gift will endow, in perpetuity, the Lombard Insurance Chair in Paediatric Research at The Hospital for Sick Children. The chair, held jointly with the University of Toronto, will provide vital resources to ensure that advances continue to be made in the research and treatment of children's illnesses and diseases.
Dr. Manuel Buchwald, chief of Research at The Hospital for Sick Children, is the inaugural Chair holder. His responsibilities include leading all of the Hospital's research work; recruiting and retaining outstanding investigators who, together, will form one of the world's most effective teams in paediatric health research; and working with members of the Hospital's executive team to provide leadership to the entire institution.
The Chair is a linchpin in the $82-million Help Make Sick Kids Better campaign's efforts to establish stable research funding at SickKids. One of Dr. Buchwald's most challenging tasks as the inaugural chair holder is ensuring that philanthropists, policy makers, and other hospital leaders understand the importance of research.
"This chair will help promote the value of research," Dr. Buchwald explained. "It provides a platform to communicate the importance of long-term research funding to those who work outside the laboratory."
Byron Messier, Chairman and CEO of the company, explained Lombard Insurance's decision to endow the chair.
"The Hospital for Sick Children is a world-renowned, first class children's hospital and research institution. Lombard Insurance is delighted to be able to make this gift to help ensure ongoing research that has an impact on children's health," he said. "Any significant progress, whether in medical research or the insurance business, requires a substantial up front investment in the people and technology that can make it happen. The results aren't always immediately apparent, but if we don't try, we can't move forward."
Lombard Insurance is a Canadian-owned property and casualty insurance company that has been providing protection and peace of mind to individuals and businesses for almost 200 years. Its subsidiary, Zenith Insurance Company, specializes in automobile and homeowners coverage for Canadians over the age of 50 through its Privilege 50 Program.
Public Affairs
The Hospital for Sick Children
555 University Avenue
Suite 1742, Public Affairs, First floor Atrium
Toronto,
ON
M5G 1X8
Canada
Phone: 416-813-5058
Fax: 416-813-5328