A prominent Prince Albert family is giving back to the province they have called home in a big way.
The Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation recently announced that the Broda family had donated $1 million to the new hospital to create a spiritual space.
The donation is from Barb and Gord Broda, as well as the Casimir and Marie Broda Family Foundation.
Gord Broda is the owner and manager of the Broda Group, a heavy civil construction company started by his father Cas in 1957. It has grown to serve communities from across Canada, from B.C. to Ontario.
The $1 million donation is not the first time the Brodas have backed the children’s hospital. Gord is the owner of the Snakebit F-100 truck auctioned off on live TV at the Barrett Jackson auction in Scottsdale, ARZ a few yeas ago to support the Children’s Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan.
The Brodas’ approach then was the same as it is now – to give back to the province that has given so much to them.
“We certainly believe the provincial children’s hospital is a great addition to this province,” Gord Broda said when reached by phone.
“Were a family that’s worked in the province for over 50 years. We’ve worked all over the province and feel it’s a good gesture from our whole working family to support the children’s hospital.”
The Spiritual Space supported by the Broda donation will be located on the main floor of the news hospital and will be open 24 hours a day.
The room will offer resources for multi-faith worship, including added ventilation to accommodate Indigenous rituals such as smudging and pipe ceremonies.
According to a press release, the room will have natural wood elements, cushions for kneeling and praying and flexible seating.
“The space will provide a sense of peacefulness and connection to nature,” the release said.
The room will accommodate, individuals, families, gatherings and group ceremonies.
“In the fast-paced world of a busy children’s hospital, a multi-faith space devoted to our diverse provincial community will provide serenity and a place for reflection in times when compassion and spiritual connection is especially important,” Brynn Boback-Lane, president and CEO of the hospital foundation was quoted as saying in a press release.
“Through the Broda family gift, Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital will support families of all faith, so that healing and hope remain a pillar of the family-centred care this hospital represents.”
The donation was also applauded by Rural and Remote Health minister Greg Ottenbreit.
“From past experience with a sick child having a quiet sanctuary to reflect and pray was integral in our family’s ability to cope at a very trying time and eventual realization of the impending loss of our son,” he said.
“The Brodas continue to set great example of being exemplary corporate citizens. I personally say, thank you.”
For the Broda family, the donation carries extra significance.
“My wife and I are brand new grandparents, so maybe it has an extra push. We don’t have a children’s hospital in this province, and we really believe this will be a fantastic addition to our province,” Broda said.
Having the donation go towards a spiritual space also means a lot to the Brodas.
“My mom and dad are pretty religious people, and my father just passed away last December,” Broda said.
“When we spoke to the children’s hospital about the donation. They had a few different options. When we spoke about the spiritual room, we thought how fitting that was that we could attach the Broda name to the spiritual room. We’re kind of doing it in memory of my dad.”
Broda said he hopes the spiritual room — and the hospital — serve the province for years to come.
“We’re proud Saskatchewan people,” he said. “We’re happy to support the province. It’s been good to us, so this is a way to give back. Hopefully many generations into the future will make good use of this hospital.”
