Student government groups and alumni associations from the University of Windsor and St. Clair College have partnered with their institutions to donate $100,000 in support efforts for front-line healthcare workers at Windsor Regional Hospital.

The University and College are each donating $50,000 to help the hospital purchase new ventilators in the immediate fight against COVID-19.

University of Windsor president Robert Gordon said the University is pleased to be able to work cooperatively with colleagues and friends at St. Clair College during this uncertain and difficult time in our region’s history.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has brought together our entire university community — including our students and alumni — to provide support to our essential front-line healthcare workers at Windsor Regional Hospital,” he said. “We owe all these dedicated individuals an incredible debt of gratitude, and we thank each and every one of them for their contributions every single day. Together we will get through this.”

St. Clair College president Patti France said the entire college community of staff, students, and alumni is involved in the effort to offer support.

“A community-wide threat requires a community-wide response, and St. Clair will be doing whatever it possibly can to help, from now until this crisis is resolved,” she said. “If we have the ability to help and assist the medical community at this critical time, we’re going to do just that.”

Windsor Regional Hospital president David Musyj said the hospital is overwhelmed by the community’s outpouring of support.

“We are fortunate to have two great partners in St Clair College and the University of Windsor, for coming forward at this difficult time. Their efforts to help the most vulnerable in our community and support the frontline workers at WRH is appreciated.”

Beth Ann Prince, president of the University of Windsor Alumni Association, said the University’s alumni should be proud to know they are contributing and providing necessary equipment during this unprecedented time.

“As our community comes together in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the University of Windsor Alumni Association is pleased to offer financial support towards the purchase of equipment for our local hospitals,” Prince said.

University of Windsor Students’ Alliance president Jeremiah Bowers said his student government wanted to do its part to contribute to the community’s fight against COVID-19.

“Windsor has always been strongest when we’re looking out for each other, and this is no different,” he said. “The University, college, alumni, and student associations coming together… this is what being Windsor Proud is all about.”