News & stories, Celebrating a Fundraising Legend

December 2022

Murray Gilchrist has spent the better part of 15 years fundraising for a cause that is—quite literally—close to his heart.

Many of you know the incredible 93-year-old fundraising sensation, Murray Gilchrist. Since he first began fundraising for the Cardiac Rehab program at the Saint John Regional Hospital following his heart surgery in 2003, Murray has raised a grand total of $100,552!

Murray Gilchrist, top fundraiser of our annual Saint John Cardiac Rehab Walk.
Murray Gilchrist, top fundraiser of our annual Saint John Cardiac Rehab Walk.

And at the 22nd Annual Saint John Cardiac Rehab Walk—our first in-person walk in a couple years—Murray astounded us once again. Even after that two-year hiatus, his big heart didn’t miss a beat. For the 15th year in a row, Murray was the Cardiac Walk’s top fundraiser, raising his largest total to date—$15,160! Can we just say it again? Murray is 93 years old!

Billie Jo Mabey, Nurse Manager, Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, SJRH (left) and Jamie Gallagher, President and CEO of Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation (right) present Murray Gilchrist with a lifetime achievement award for his 15+ years of volunteering and fundraising for the Cardiac Rehab Program.
Billie Jo Mabey, Nurse Manager, Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, SJRH (left) and Jamie Gallagher, President and CEO of Saint John Regional Hospital Foundation (right) present Murray Gilchrist with a lifetime achievement award for his 15+ years of volunteering and fundraising for the Cardiac Rehab Program.

That kind of dedication and community spirit makes our hearts sing. We were thrilled to present Murray with a lifetime achievement award. But, that’s not all...In recognition and gratitude for Murray’s extraordinary fundraising feats, we’re excited to announce that the staff room in the newly renovated Clinic 1 will be named the Murray and Phyllis Gilchrist Staff Room in honour of Murray’s generous commitment.

Please join us in sending out heartfelt love and congratulations to Murray! We are so grateful to have kind-hearted people like Murray, and like you, supporting healthcare for all New Brunswickers. Thank you!

The Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program helps patients recover from heart attacks and cardio-vascular conditions. Patients regain strength and reduce their risk of developing future heart problems.

Because of your generosity, it will continue to grow and serve our cardiac patients for years to come.

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