One Million Dollar gift presented to Cancer Care Close to Home Campaign

Critical Care Unit named in recognition of Max and Lorraine Shapiro

Well-known local businessman and former owner of Voyageur Airways in North Bay, Max Shapiro and his wife Lorraine, today publically announced their $1M donation to the North Bay Regional Health Centre Foundation. In recognition of their generosity to our community, the Health Centre’s Critical Care Unit (CCU) will be named in the Shapiro’s honour.

“Surprisingly, cancer hasn’t touched my family directly, but I have been devastated by the loss of employees and colleagues to the disease. This gift is for everyone in our community,” said Shapiro. He said he understands the important role technology plays in the aviation industry. “If better technology can help diagnose and treat people sooner, that’s a good thing. I am always amazed and appreciate the Health Centre and the care we have access to here,” he said.

“Our community’s first of two new CT Scanners has arrived and is performing scans 14.5 hours per day on 50-55 patients,” said Paul Heinrich, President and CEO, NBRHC.  “The Shapiro family is helping the hospital provide the best possible care close to home, for patients being screened and/or diagnosed with cancer. Early intervention is key, so reducing wait times will save lives, and the community thanks the Shapiros for this generous gift.”

In accepting the $1M gift, Barb Minogue, honourary Campaign Co-Chair representing Peter Minogue stated: “You are touching many, many lives. Your generosity will ensure that the Cancer Care, Close to Home Campaign is successful and that urgently needed medical equipment will be available sooner. We are so grateful that you chose to have an impact on our community through this remarkable gift.”

The President and CEO of the NBRHC Foundation, Tammy Morison pointed out that not only is the Shapiro family helping to transform cancer care that is available close to home, the Shapiros are motivating and inspiring others in the community with their incredible generosity.

Max Shapiro transferred his love of flying into the business world and purchased Voyageur Airways Limited in the 1970s. Through his leadership the company went on to flourish and expand, from a small flight school to establishing the first air ambulance service in the north, and eventually specializing in advanced engineering and maintenance of aircraft as well as international and domestic contract flights. Shapiro said he had the best interests of the community in mind when he sold Voyageur Airways to Chorus Aviation Inc. in 2015, ensuring the company would continue to grow and create local jobs.  He said he had the best interests of the community in mind also, when he made his donation to the Cancer Care Close to Home Campaign.

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