Ottawa Construction News staff writer
Merkley Supply Ltd., a fixture in Ottawa’s construction industry for more than a century, has pledged to match community donations to The Ottawa Hospital Foundation up to $1 million to support the development of the new hospital campus.
The company and its CEO, Robert Merkley, will match public donations dollar-for-dollar from now until Dec. 31, 2025.
The initiative ties the construction supply company, which was founded over 125 years ago, directly to the future of the city’s healthcare infrastructure.
“True giving goes beyond writing a cheque,” Robert Merkley, who became the third-generation CEO of the company in 1982, said in a statement. “It’s about rolling up our sleeves, inspiring others, and leading by example. If we want world-class healthcare, research, and facilities, it’s up to us to make it happen — our community deserves it.”
This donation is the latest in a long history of philanthropic efforts by Merkley.
In 2003, he chaired the Legacy Campaign Committee, which raised $100 million for the Civic Campus Emergency Department, new equipment, and medical research. In 2010, he co-founded THE RIDE, a cycling fundraiser that has since raised more than $14 million for local cancer research.
Tim Kluke, president and CEO of The Ottawa Hospital Foundation, called Merkley a “steadfast volunteer and supporter” for decades.
“When he’s committed to a project, he’s a force to be reckoned with, rallying the community and inspiring others to join him,” Kluke said. “We’re fortunate to have his support.”
Using a metaphor fitting for the construction industry, Merkley urged the community to join the effort.
“Every gift, every act of generosity, is a brick in the foundation of our future,” he said. “If we each do our part, we can create something that will stand strong for generations. So, let’s do it!”
