Whitehorse General Hospital’s new CT scanner will soon be on its way, thanks to a $100,000 donation by local entrepreneur Tippy Mah.
The donation was announced at a giant cheque presentation on Wednesday afternoon in the lobby of the 202 Motor Inn, Mah’s hotel.
“I’ve lived here for 40 years, and the community’s been very good to me, so it’s time for me to give some back,” said Mah.
“It’s all Yukon money,” he added.
“You make more than that in a poker game, don’t you?” joked CKRW reporter Ron McFadyen.
The donation clinches the Yukon Hospital Foundation’s purchase of a new, $1.5-million CT scanner.
“We should be putting the order in before the new year, and by April 1, it should be up and running,” said Craig Tuton, chair of the Yukon Hospital Foundation.
The foundation’s next goal will be either the purchase of a $3.5-million MRI machine, or a $1.5-million digital radiology upgrade.
“Either way, Mr. Mah’s donation puts us in a great position to move ahead to the next project,” said Tuton.
“The community’s been very good to me, they’ve supported all my businesses, and I love everything about Yukon, honestly,” said Mah.
“I love drinking, I love food — and I own both,” he said.
For Mah, supporting the hospital stood out as a great means to support his community.
“It doesn’t matter how old or how young you are, you need a hospital,” said Mah.
All four of his children were born there, he noted.
Mah first came to the Yukon after reading a sign in Edmonton that said, “Young men go north,” said Mah.
“Now, when I see any young men Outside, I say, ‘Young men go north,’” he said.
The Bonanza Hotel and the T and M were both built, and later sold, by Mah. He currently owns the 202 and a variety of other business ventures throughout the territory.
Within five minutes, the news conference was over.
“Shortest press conference in history,” said a reporter.
“From one of the shortest men,” said Tuton.
“I’m in a hurry when the weather is so nice outside,” said Mah.
Contact Tristin Hopper at tristinh@yukon-news.com