Newsroom
June 25, 2019
Man inspired by new children’s hospital makes touching legacy gift
Metro Yaychuk, a Ukrainian man with strong Saskatchewan roots, spent his life taking in the country scenery near his farm in Lintlaw, Sask. Near the end of his life, he spent time in hospital and his scenery became the surrounding construction progress of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. – a sight that ultimately inspired him to leave behind a meaningful legacy.
Metro never had children of his own, but he was the true embodiment of a family man. He treasured his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great nephews and even great-great nieces and nephews. He loved when children visited him at his farm and he always made sure to have treats on hand.
Not only did Metro have a heart for kids, but his love for community was just as strong. Metro always helped out where he could, cleaning the ice at the curling rink, selling dinner plates at a community supper, filming special community events and supporting many local fundraisers. His spirit of giving back is what inspired his niece, Debbie and nephew Don, to honour his memory after he passed at age 91 in 2018 by making a legacy gift to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation.
“We are very proud of how his resources were utilized to help so many others,” said family of Metro.
One of 12 Recovery Rooms in Pediatric Surgery will now bear the name of this kind man who took pride in his Ukrainian heritage and his Saskatchewan roots. The room will offer a calming atmosphere for children and their families following surgery. These specially-designed Recovery Rooms will help make each family’s experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible, while providing the best in pediatric surgical care.
Metro’s recovery room will be located near Saskatchewan’s first dedicated Pediatric Surgical Suites on the ground floor of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. The three pediatric surgical suites will have capacity for 5,000 surgeries every year. Construction on the 176-bed hospital is complete and over the coming months 77,000 pieces of equipment will be installed and tested and 2,400 staff will be trained prior to doors opening.
“Metro’s life of giving back is an inspiring testimony. This was a man who knew in his heart the importance of our future generations,” said Brynn Boback-Lane, President and CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “We are thankful for this family’s thoughtful contribution made in honour of Metro that will live on inside the walls of our much-needed children’s hospital.”
To learn more about how you can make a legacy gift, please contact Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation at 306-931-4887 or click here.
