Toronto students raise funds for essential health care equipment

In a heartwarming display of community engagement and youthful innovation, students from Toronto's Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute recently embarked on a remarkable initiative to fund vital health care equipment for a local hospital. This project not only highlighted their creativity and dedication but also emphasized the importance of fostering a connection between education and real-world applications in health sciences.

The Initiative: A Unique Fundraising Approach

Last week, Inaaya Ahamed, a determined Grade 9 student, played a pivotal role in securing crucial health care equipment for Michael Garron Hospital. Along with her classmates, who share a keen interest in health sciences and are involved in the SheSTEM program, they participated in an innovative fundraising effort reminiscent of popular television shows like Dragons’ Den and Shark Tank.

This initiative, known as the Vital Venture Fund 2026, paired students with clinicians from Michael Garron Hospital. Together, they identified essential equipment needed by the hospital, including:

• Vascular ultrasound machines
• Video laryngoscopes
• Dual-focus gastroscopes

A Hands-On Learning Experience

The students crafted 90-second videos explaining the significance of the identified equipment and why it should receive funding. These videos were then shared on the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation’s website, where the public voted for their favorites. The top-voted projects received funding from the Moez and Marissa Kassam Equity Fund, reinforcing the project’s community-driven ethos.

Moez Kassam, co-founder of Anson Funds, noted the project's alignment with successful fundraising models seen on television, stating, “This is our own mini version for the people of Toronto east.” This initiative not only highlights the needs of the hospital but also engages students in a practical learning environment.

Engaging Future Health Professionals

Melanie Kohn, the president and CEO of Michael Garron Hospital, emphasized the importance of engaging young minds, stating that such initiatives inspire future generations. According to Kohn, foundations that provide financial support play a critical role in ensuring hospitals can deliver high-quality care. The Vital Venture Fund initiative allowed students to grasp the needs of healthcare facilities and how they can contribute meaningfully.

“Not only do they actually get to learn, but they get to be part of prioritizing what we need for the hospital in a very practical way,” she remarked.

The project provided students with the rare opportunity to step outside the classroom and interact directly with professionals in the health sciences field. Gillian Evans, the principal of Marc Garneau Collegiate, noted that such experiences are invaluable as they allow students to see the world beyond school walls.

Personal Stories: Student Involvement and Insights

For Elizabeth Soutchanski, a Grade 12 student and president of HOSA Canada at her school, this project was a chance to collaborate with clinicians and gain insights into hospital operations. “It’s a way for me to connect with medicine and the field of medicine, which I really hope to be able to work in one day,” she shared, highlighting the significance of the experience for her future aspirations.

Similarly, Lovely Gebeyehu, a Grade 11 student involved in pitching innovative medical devices, expressed her motivation for participating: “I felt like if I could work on the project in some way or form, I’m giving back in some way, which is pretty unique, in my opinion.” Her contributions included advocating for devices designed to keep newborns warm and assist in opening their airways.

Building Community Connections

The initiative aimed to strengthen community connections. With local residents participating in the voting process, students were reminded of the direct impact their efforts could have on their own community. “The idea for us is to invest in the community, and getting engagement at an early level is so important,” Kassam stated, reinforcing the project’s goal of fostering community bonds.

Aspiring Health Professionals and Their Vision

As the project progressed, Inaaya Ahamed articulated her aspirations in health sciences, driven by a desire to help others. “It’s helping people and knowing that one person can save so many lives and make such a big difference,” she expressed, reflecting the core values that motivate many future healthcare professionals.

This initiative not only allowed students to engage with vital health care needs but also made their goals feel attainable and real. The collaboration between students and healthcare professionals demonstrated the potential of combining education with hands-on experience to inspire the next generation of health leaders.