Scarborough Health Network Receives $1 Million Gift from Sue Nathan and Roy Ratnavel to Support Mental Health Care
In a powerful testament to the strength of community and the transformative power of giving, Sue Nathan and Roy Ratnavel have donated $1 million to the Scarborough Health Network (SHN) Foundation, earmarked for expanding inpatient mental health services at Birchmount Hospital.
The significance of this gift runs deeper than dollars and cents. For Roy Ratnavel—a former political prisoner in Sri Lanka, survivor of civil war, and acclaimed author of Prisoner #1056—the cause is profoundly personal. After immigrating to Canada at 18 and building a distinguished career in finance, Ratnavel has remained deeply connected to Scarborough, the community that first welcomed him and his family.
“It’s crucial that we address the mental health needs of our community with compassion and understanding,” Ratnavel shared. “Sue and I are proud to support Scarborough Health Network in their vital work. My own experiences have shown me the importance of accessible and culturally sensitive mental health support, and we hope this gift will help to break down barriers and reduce stigma.”
Expanding Access to Mental Health Services
Scarborough Health Network is home to Ontario’s second-largest community-based mental health program, serving over 65,000 outpatients, 7,500 inpatients, and handling more than 10,000 referrals every year. These figures highlight the pressing need for expanded, equitable, and stigma-free mental health services in one of Canada’s most diverse regions.
The $1 million donation from Sue Nathan and Roy Ratnavel will directly support the expansion of inpatient mental health facilities at Birchmount Hospital, enabling SHN to reach more vulnerable individuals facing persistent mental health challenges and complex care needs. The gift also advances SHN’s ongoing efforts to provide culturally responsive care, an issue close to Ratnavel’s heart, particularly within the Tamil community and other newcomer populations.
“We are inspired by Roy’s story and incredible resilience, and grateful to Roy and Sue for their commitment to improving mental health care in Scarborough,” said Alicia Vandermeer, President & CEO of SHN Foundation. “This donation will make a substantial difference in the lives of individuals and families facing mental health challenges.”
Supporting the “Love, Scarborough” Campaign
This historic gift also supports the Love, Scarborough campaign, a bold fundraising initiative launched in 2022 by the SHN Foundation. The campaign aims to raise awareness and critical funds for Scarborough’s three hospitals, supporting emergency care, pioneering new healthcare models, and advancing research and education across the network.
With the slogan “SHN does more than anyone thought possible with less than anyone could imagine. Imagine what they could do with more,” the campaign calls attention to both the needs and the immense potential of Scarborough’s health system. Learn more at lovescarborough.ca.
About Scarborough Health Network
SHN is shaping the future of care for one of Canada’s most dynamic and multicultural communities. With three hospitals and several community-based sites, SHN provides essential and specialized health services and is an academic leader through partnerships with the University of Toronto and the Scarborough Academy of Medicine and Integrated Health.
Supported by visionary donors like Nathan and Ratnavel, SHN is building forward with innovation, inclusivity, and a relentless commitment to health equity.
