Multi-million dollar gift creates unique program at Toronto Western Hospital

Thanks to a multi-million dollar donation from Barrick Gold Corporation and Vera Wilkins, wife of Greg Wilkins, former CEO of Barrick, Toronto Western Hospital will play a role in improving surgical care for neurological conditions in developing countries.

In December 2009, Mr. Wilkins succumbed to brain cancer at 53 years of age. His courageous battle brought him to TWH, where he underwent brain surgery performed by Dr. Mark Bernstein.

The $5.5 million donation in honour of Greg's memory will be a lasting legacy to a great Canadian business leader.

"If ever there was a man, who, in a relatively short period of time in private enterprise, in a relatively small country like Canada, has done more, for more people, in more countries from more walks of life than Greg, I am not aware of it," said Peter Munk. "His integrity was like a shining beacon representing Canada and Canada's fundamental values."

June 23 marked the official opening of The Barrick Gold Corporation Centre for International Outreach, the naming of the Gregory C. Wilkins Centre for Excellence in Neuro-Oncology at TWH and named Dr. Mark Bernstein as the inaugural holder of The Greg Wilkins – Barrick Chair in
International Surgery.

Dr. Bernstein specializes in neuro-oncology, and is a world-leader in the removal of brain tumours. In 1996, he performed the first-ever awake-outpatient craniotomy – now the most common type of surgery to remove a tumour.

Over the past eight years, Dr. Bernstein has carried out over 15 international missions to help bring surgical skills and training to communities in need.

"We are happy and honoured that Dr. Bernstein will play a part in carrying on Greg's legacy by improving the health and lives of people in need," said Vera Wilkins.