Local Health Center Honoured with New Name Following Landmark Donation
PEACE RIVER, AB – The Peace River Community Health centre has been officially renamed the Marshall Eliuk peace River Community Health Centre in recognition of a meaningful $3-million donation from local philanthropist and businessman Marshall Eliuk to the Peace River and District Health Foundation. Eliuk further demonstrated his commitment to regional healthcare with an additional $100,000 gift, resulting in the naming of the health centre’s atrium in his honor.
The significant contribution was lauded by provincial officials. Peace River MLA and Minister of Municipal Affairs,Dan Williams,stated the donation “signals confidence in local healthcare – and in the potential for our northern communities to thrive.” Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services, Matt Jones, added that Eliuk’s generosity woudl “strengthen healthcare in Peace River and the surrounding area, ensuring families have access to high-quality care now and for generations to come.”
Eliuk, a long-time Alberta entrepreneur and former resident of the Peace River region, has a history of impactful philanthropic giving. He previously donated $3 million in 2018 to the University of Alberta Hospital’s hematology program,motivated by the care he received during his own battle with a rare blood disorder. His lifetime contributions also include $1.5 million to Canadian Blood Services’ cord blood/stem cell bank initiative, $1.5 million towards a state-of-the-art systemic therapy suite at BC Cancer-Kelowna,and $2 million split between the cardiac and stroke units at Kelowna General Hospital.
“Healthcare is something that touches every life,” Eliuk explained. “I have been blessed in my life and the care I received in tougher times continues to inspire me. I see this gift as a way to help my community, so patients can get excellent care close to home.” He expressed his honour at having his name associated with the health centre and its atrium, and his hope for the facility’s positive impact on future generations.
The Marshall Eliuk Peace River Community Health Centre will continue to offer a extensive range of services, including ambulatory and outpatient care, diagnostics, stroke care, primary care clinics, and community health programs, all under the direction of Alberta Health Services.
Will Petluk, chair of the Peace River and District Health Foundation, described the donation as ”the single largest in our foundation’s history,” emphasizing its potential to “modernize and expand services, improve patient comfort, and attract top health professionals to serve our region.” Site manager Lynn Gaydosh echoed this sentiment, stating the gift would be instrumental in adapting to the evolving needs of the growing community through investment in equipment and services.
The Peace River and District Health Foundation plays a vital role in supporting the health centre through fundraising and advocacy, collaborating with donors, government, health operators, and community partners to ensure sustainable, high-quality care. Alberta Health Services,which oversees the centre,is currently focused on improving emergency department wait times,EMS response times,surgical access,and overall patient flow across the province.