a new portable ultrasound at peace arch hospital, shown by megan lum, clinical nurse educator
Shirle Johnston (second from the right) and friends gather to view the new Portable Ultrasound at Peace Arch Hospital (July 2020)

Shirle Johnston is proof that one generous person has the power to make a significant difference in the lives of others. Last year, she made the decision to donate $65,000 to purchase a new portable ultrasound machine for Peace Arch Hospital. And now, we’re able to celebrate the arrival of this critical new piece of equipment.

About the Portable Ultrasound

The portable ultrasound will diagnose urgent problems like cardiac arrest and poor heart valve function. It will also allow for our ER team to check for life-threatening bleeding in trauma and non-trauma patients in order to provide immediate treatment. Because of its small size, it can be easily moved around the hospital, making it useful to all departments.

“By funding up-to-date technology that saves lives, Shirle’s gift will help protect her neighbors, friends, family and others in the community,” says Amy O’Leary, Senior Philanthropy Officer at Peace Arch Hospital Foundation. “With her help, our amazing doctors and nurses will have the equipment they need to continue to help save the lives of patients who come through our doors.”

portable ultrasound peace arch hospital, megan lum clinical nurse educator
Megan Lum, Clinical Nurse Educator (right), explains the many uses of the portable ultrasound machine (July 2020)

How Shirle Johnston made her gift

Shirle Johnston chose to make her gift by donating stocks. “Donating stocks or mutual funds is super easy,” says Johnston. Have a visit with your financial advisor, who will supply you with the forms…. All you have to do is name your charity. The money will then go directly to your charity and they will be delighted to work with it.”

Thank you to Shirle Johnston for your dedication to enhancing the health and wellness of our community. Our new portable ultrasound machine has truly made an impact in the lives of patients and families who visit our hospital every day!

Giving with Stocks just makes sense… here’s why:

  1. You pay NO TAX on the capital gains when you gift appreciated securities. In addition, you receive a TAX RECEIPT for the full fair market value of the securities gifted.
  2. Alternatively, when you gift depreciated securities, you can REALIZE A TAX LOSS that can be used to offset past and future capital gains.
  3. You may also make the gift of PUBLICLY TRADED SECURITIES as part of your will-planning with your estate, receiving the same TAX BENEFITS.

For more information about gifting securities, please visit our Giving with Stocks page. You may also contact Barbara Moore at 604.535.4520 or barbara@pahfoundation.ca