“Today is about celebrating two remarkable people who have given so much kindness and leadership to Dartmouth General Hospital, it will last a lifetime.”
That was the message from Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation President and CEO Stephen Harding as family, friends and hospital staff gathered at a special event to honour Al and Mary MacPhee.
The well-known automotive dealers have made an extraordinary impact on Dartmouth General over many years, helping to advance innovation, expand patient care and inspire others to give back.
Al and Mary with their family during the event remarks.
“Al and Mary, you have built a legacy that reaches far beyond business success,” Stephen said. “It’s a legacy of giving back and caring deeply about the place you call home. Whenever we’ve asked you for help, the answer has always been the same. Yes.”
And those “yeses” have been many. Al and Mary have served on the Foundation Board and Campaign Cabinet, chaired the popular Lobster Dinner and Auction fundraiser, donated sought-after auction items, hosted spin-a-thon fundraisers at their Dartmouth dealership and Al stepped into the role as Chair for the Foundation’s successful Lead On campaign.
In 2019, their generous $300-thousand donation led to the creation of the Al and Mary MacPhee Waiting Area at Dartmouth General Hospital. The bright, welcoming space serves patients accessing colon cancer screening and endoscopy services, the Deanne Reeve Pelvic Health Suite, orthopedic care and plastic and general surgery.
“When people come here, they may be having pain, they may be anxious and uncertain about what’s going to happen,” said DGH gastroenterologist Dr. Chad Williams. “I think the surroundings are really important. Patients need to feel they have space. They need to feel like they have air, they can breathe and that there’s light. They need to feel safe. And this waiting area was obviously designed with all of those really important pieces in mind.”
Rachel Nalepa, Dartmouth General Hospital Health Services Director and Site Lead
“This area represents access, innovation, and exceptional care close to home which is just what DGH stands for,” said Rachel Nalepa, Dartmouth General Hospital Health Services Director and Site Lead.
Although patients have been using the waiting area for several years, plans for its official dedication were delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the recent celebration, Al and Mary were joined by their three children, ten grandchildren, extended family, friends and grateful staff from Dartmouth General Hospital and the Foundation.
“Al and Mary, you’ve inspired others to give and volunteer their time, you’ve championed major fundraising initiatives and helped bring transformative projects to life here at Dartmouth General,” said Rachel Nalepa. “Our community is stronger because of you. Our hospital is better because of you. And countless patients have benefitted from your generosity and leadership.”
“Thank you Al and Mary for all you do for this hospital and for this community,” said Halifax Regional Municipality Councillor Tony Mancini. “We’re better because of you.”
Dr. Williams reflected on the couple’s lasting impact.
“DGH is really about community and family, and no couple exemplifies community and family more than these two,” he said. “They are donors, sure, but they are really family members at DGH as well. Al and Mary, the impact of your kindness reaches far beyond these walls. It touches every patient, every family member sitting beside a loved one. And it certainly is important to healthcare workers like me. I don’t think there’s a wing in this hospital that hasn’t been touched by your generosity.”
Stephen Harding noted that the MacPhees continue to help shape the hospital’s future.
“It seems fitting that two people who have built such a successful career in the automotive industry are helping to drive momentum at this very hospital,” he said. “And true to form you’ve said yes once again to serving as Honourary Chairs for our upcoming 50th anniversary campaign launching in September. Al and Mary, you are truly helping to keep us in motion.”
At the close of the celebration, Al and Mary stepped to the microphone and looked out at their family and friends.
“Mary and I are very proud of the association we’ve had with Dartmouth General,” said Al MacPhee. “A hospital is more than just equipment. It’s the people that make Dartmouth General what it is.”
Then he turned his attention to his grandchildren.
“It’s good for these young people to understand that there’s an obligation to give back, to make the community better,” he said. “I can’t wait to see the great things that are going to happen here.”
Left to Right: Andrew MacPhee, Margo MacPhee, Al and Mary MacPhee, David MacPhee, Jennifer MacPhee, Kent Toombs, Dr. Shannon MacPhee, with Al and Mary’s grandchildren.
