On April 30th, 2022, SOA-Canada, in conjunction with the Priory of Canada, hosted a black-tie gala in honour of the St John Eye Hospital at the Royal Canadian Military Institute, Toronto
The evening’s special guests included Her Honour, The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, OC DStJ OOnt, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Vice-Prior for St John Ambulance in Ontario, and Dr. David Verity, KStJ, Hospitaller for the Order.
The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell and Alain Laurencelle, KStJ, Chancellor of the Priory of Canada
The evening began with a traditional Land Acknowledgement, offered by Kellyann Tekaríhwenhawi Meloche, MStJ, a Mohawk from the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory, followed by remarks by Alain Laurencelle, KStJ, Chancellor of the Priory of Canada, and remarks by our Lieutenant Governor.
After dinner, the audience heard from Michael Dan, CM CStJ OOnt, Vice Patron, SOA-global, whose spoke about the Eye Hospital’s 140-year history of institutional resilience.
Dr. Michelle Khan, MD FRCSC, Chair, SOA-Canada, then spoke on her personal experiences as a volunteer ophthalmologist at the Eye Hospital.
This was then followed by a keynote address by Mr. Verity.
Presentation by Dr Michael Dan, MD CM CStJ OOnt.
Vice-Patron, St John Ophthalmic Association
The evening ended with presentations to Mr. Verity and Dr. Khan, and the announcement by Ian Steingaszner, KStJ, of a very special batch of single malt scotch in honour of the 75th anniversary of the Priory of Canada, available exclusively through the latter.
Dr Michelle Khan receiving the prestigious Priory Vote of Thanks for her leadership and support for St John
Left to right:
Dr David Verity, Dr Michelle Khan (Chair, SOA-Canada), Dr Michael Dan (Vice Patron, SOA global)
With grateful thanks to Michael and Amira Dan and the Canadian Priory for organising and sponsoring this meeting.
Finally, a note of thanks to all our Canadian Priory supporters
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