MNI launches largest campaign in 73 years
5 years, $40 million
Today the Montreal Neurological Institute of McGill University launched its largest campaign in its 73-year history. The MNI’s ‘Thinking Ahead’ Campaign is a five-year $40 million initiative to invest in people and expand facilities and services at the MNI. The Campaign will help the MNI, which is one of seven National Centres of Excellence in Commercialization and Research, achieve: the largest and most innovative brain imaging centre in the world, new treatment avenues for brain disease, a pioneering neuropalliative care centre, a world class spine and spinal cord repair centre, and global leadership in understanding and repairing the brain.
Campaign co-chairs Dominic D'Alessandro, President and CEO of Manulife Financial and Jacques Bougie, former President and CEO of Alcan Inc, unveiled an impressive team (listed in addendum) of prominent business and community leaders spear-heading the campaign. “The MNI is embarking on innovative research and clinical programs that will improve the quality of life for people affected by neurological diseases around the world,” said Dominic D’Alessandro.
The campaign co-chairs announced that $20 million has been raised to date with lead gifts from Manulife Financial and the company’s CEO Dominic D’Alessandro, The Cyril & Dorothy and Joel & Jill Reitman Family Foundation, pioneering scientist Dr. Brenda Milner, Dr. Shirley Rayport, The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, The Molson Foundation as well as the Estates of Dorothy Sexton and John Gordon. “The MNI is a unique institution of excellence that deserves our support,” stated Jacques Bougie. “It is an international leader, well-positioned to contribute to the world’s knowledge about the brain and nervous system.”
“We have been tremendously fortunate that throughout its history, the MNI has been the beneficiary of exceptional philanthropy - supporting cutting–edge research and clinical programs that have resulted in a worldwide reputation for leadership and excellence,” said Dr. David Colman, Director of the MNI. “These gifts will be instrumental in helping the MNI to strengthen its mission of integrating the best research in neuroscience with the most advanced, compassionate care for people living with neurological and neurosurgical problems.”
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About the MNI
The Montreal Neurological Institute is a McGill University research and teaching institute, dedicated to the study of the nervous system and neurological diseases. Founded in 1934 by the renowned Dr. Wilder Penfield, the MNI is one of the world’s largest institutes of its kind. MNI researchers are world leaders in cellular and molecular neuroscience, brain imaging, cognitive neuroscience and the study and treatment of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and neuromuscular disorders. The MNI, with its clinical partner, the Montreal Neurological Hospital (MNH), part of the McGill University Health Centre, continues to integrate research, patient care and training, and is recognized as one of the premier neuroscience centres in the world. At the MNI, we believe in investing in the faculty, staff and students who conduct outstanding research, provide advanced, compassionate care of patients and who pave the way for the next generation of medical advances. Highly talented, motivated people are the engine that drives research – the key to progress in medical care.
Anita Kar, MNI, Tel. ,