St. Lawrence College Receives $250,000 for PSW Program Enhancement

St. Lawrence College in Kingston has received a generous gift of $250,000 from the estate of the late John Weatherall to support its Personal Support Worker (PSW) program. Weatherall, a prominent business leader and philanthropist, was known for his extensive contributions to various institutions in the Kingston area, including Queen’s University and the Kingston Health Sciences Centre.

Marie Miller, Senior Development Officer at St. Lawrence College, worked closely with Weatherall to secure this significant donation before his passing in 2024. “John Weatherall wanted to make a bequest to SLC and to the PSW program specifically because of the compassionate and professional care his late wife, Diana, and ultimately John himself, received from personal support workers who were graduates of SLC,” Miller explained.

The funding will enhance the PSW program by creating potential new student bursaries, acquiring equipment, and making facility improvements. In a statement, Glenn Vollebregt, president and CEO of St. Lawrence College, described the gift as “generous” and noted that it would “create incredible opportunities” for students enrolled in the program.

“In training skilled personal support workers and other health-care professionals, we help meet the region’s workforce needs in the health-care sector,” Vollebregt said. “We are profoundly grateful for this investment in the education and skill development of our students, and via that, our region’s continued provision of excellent care.”

Increasing Demand for Personal Support Workers

The timing of this donation comes as Ontario faces a critical shortage of PSWs, driven by a rapidly aging population. A recent projection by the Ontario government indicates that the province will require an additional 50,853 PSWs by 2032. This escalating demand underscores the importance of enhancing training programs like that at St. Lawrence College, which plays a vital role in preparing graduates for the health-care workforce.

In addition to the monetary contribution, the estate of John Weatherall has also made a gift-in-kind donation of equipment to SLC’s Kingston PSW Home Suite. This comprehensive support aims to ensure that students receive the best possible education and practical experience necessary to excel in their future roles.

As the health-care sector continues to evolve, initiatives like this one are essential in equipping the next generation of personal support workers with the skills they need to provide high-quality care. The legacy of John Weatherall, through his continued impact on education and health care in Kingston, will surely resonate for years to come.