The Lougheed Foundation has donated a mobile cancer van through the Rotary Club in memory of the late Gerry Lougheed Sr. and Marguerite Lougheed.
The van will be used far from the Lougheeds’ home of Greater Sudbury — it will be operated in Jalandhar, India, and will provide cancer testing and treatment.
Gerry and Marguerite, well-known local business owners and philanthropists, travelled to India in the 1970s, representing Canada with Rotary, when Gerry Sr. served as the Rotary District Governor for Northeastern Ontario.
They worked hard on a number of international projects in the country, and were proud of establishing several schools to help educate and feed children.
Marguerite had cancer three times before dying with the disease in 2006. Her son, Gerry Jr., helped established the cancer centre in Sudbury and its expansion.
Gerry Jr. and brother Geoffrey thought it was very appropriate to follow the vision of their parents by having the Lougheed Foundation fight cancer in India.
“Mom and dad brought us up to embrace our community as family. Whether the need is on your street or halfway around the world, helping others is the opportunity to change lives,” said Geoffrey, in a press release. “The Rotary spirit of service was woven deep into the Lougheed DNA.”
“Rotary is defined as service above self, which captures the essence of our parents,” added Gerry Jr. “To send this message of love today, over 40 years after mom and dad first travelled to India, is a wonderful gift.”
The brothers’ hope is that the van will be an effective tool to fight cancer in the region.
Gerry Jr. is the founding president of the Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers and Geoffrey is a past-president of the Rotary Club of Sudbury.
The brothers thanked Luann Belfry, the current president of the Sunrisers Club and Sonia Del Missier, the Club India Liaison, with Paul Harris Fellowships.
“The outstanding commitment and dedication of Luann and Sonia has made today a reality,” Gerry Jr. said.
“I am sure our parents are smiling down on these talented women and the leadership they provided ensuring the success of this project. Mom and dad’s legacy of caring continues to make our world a better place.”
The PDG Dr. S.P.S. Grover of the Rotary Club of Jalandhar West, India, who will operate the new van, addressed the Sudbury Club through Zoom, offering thanks to Gerry Jr., Geoffrey, the Sunrisers Club, the Rotary Foundation and the Lougheed Foundation.
“This donation in memory of two wonderful people allows us to save lives and heal our community,” he said. “This van puts the values of Rotary into action.”
