QEII Foundation to benefit from Halifax couple's donation

The greatest gift of all is the gift of life.

A 90-year-old Halifax man says his life has been extended by the doctors and nurses at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, and now he and his wife are planning a substantial gift to the hospital's foundation.

Every morning,VernTooleand his wife Peggy start their day in their sunroom, whereVerndevours two newspapers as part of his daily routine.

'In four days, I was operated on'

His health is good at the moment,but seven years ago he was diagnosed with cancer.

"I probably had the speediest of diagnosis and treatment,"saidToole. "In four days, I was operated on."

The operation was a success andToolehas remained cancer free.

But two years ago, he suffered another health setback.He was having heart trouble and was quickly set up for a pacemaker, which he says has worked perfectly.

Now as a way to pay back the workers at theQEII, whom he says have extended his life,Toolehas written in his will to have funds donated to the hospital's foundation when he dies.

"You look at the history when you've had such great treatment,"saidToole. "Why wouldn't you do something about it for the future?"

Married for 52 years

Vernand PeggyToolewere married 52 years ago.

Vernserved as a torpedo operator onHMCSAlgonquin before taking on a lengthy career in sales.

Through the years, his now 85-year-old bride Peggy has had perfect health, but she's also including the QEII Foundation in her will.

"On most occasions you will reach your goal and if your goal is to stay alive and enjoy your life, then maybe you can pass some of that on to people who are going to be ill in the future,"said PeggyToole. "That's just the way it works."

The QEIIFoundation is grateful for all gifts of assets they receive.

CharlesO'Neil, a charitable gift advisor with the QEII Foundation, says they can come in a variety of forms, including cash, real estateor stocks.

"There is always a need and many people don't realize hospital foundations in Nova Scotia have to come up with 25 per centof capital expenditures", he said.

"That is a huge price tag each year and that's in addition to other needs the hospital may approach us with."

TheToolesare encouraging other people to consider putting hospital foundations into their wills.

VernToolesays he's in no rush to part with his money just yet.

"I have people now who are making appointments with me to see me on my100thbirthday, so it may take a while, but we'll get to it," hesaid. "The money will be there."