In a family with more than 120 descendants, it can be challenging to pull everyone together for the same cause. But, when you’re talking about honouring the very people from whom those descendants came, that’s an easy one.

It’s a story that Ottawa resident Camille Mikhael likes to tell — about the rich roots of his family that originated in Lebanon, spread out around the world, and then settled with much success in Ottawa. They are roots that, to this day, nurture this community in so many ways.

But to understand the story, you need to go back to the beginning, to where the story takes root. It starts with Youssef and Najebeh Mikhael, Camille’s grandparents, who ran a box factory in a small village in Lebanon. The couple had 13 children, many of whom were also involved in the business. Camille says when the civil war broke out in 1975, Youssef and his family, who were members of the religious minority, were targeted. After unsuccessful assassination attempts on both him and his wife, Youssef packed up all the family and fled to Canada where one son was already attending school.

“I think there were 20 people sleeping in one apartment,” says Camille. “My grandparents didn’t speak English, so my aunts and uncles got jobs doing whatever they could.”

Supported by those strong family roots and a bolstered by a good work ethic, they have all managed to create thriving businesses in Ottawa over the years in what Camille calls “a good immigrant success story.” And, like so many others who are thankful to this country and this city for embracing them, they have a strong desire to give back.

“There’s no better or more fitting tribute than this.”

— Camille Mikhael

The Mikhael family has just donated $100,000 from the proceeds of their charity poker tournament to The Ottawa Hospital’s Campaign to Create Tomorrow. In honour of this gift, a hospital room at the new campus will be named after their grandparents.

“There’s no better or more fitting tribute than this,” explains Camille. “They are the ones who gave us not only the opportunity to thrive here, but also the opportunity to come together and do something good. And to see their two names together on a wall is such a beautiful thing to us.”

The donation is being made through the Najah Ayoub Foundation, named after Camille’s aunt who died of breast cancer in 2010 at the age of 49. The family made an earlier donation of $100,000 in her memory and, in 2018, her relatives gathered at The Ottawa Hospital’s Rose Ages Breast Health Centre to see the unveiling of the Najah Ayoub Consult Room.

“Our goal is to make sure we are shining as bright a light as possible so that we can spread our generosity as far as it can go.”

— Camille Mikhael

Camille explains that Najah’s nickname was “Sunshine” because her smile and joie de vivre filled the room with sun. After Najah’s death, Camille, a sponsored poker professional for many years, established the city’s largest charity poker tournament appropriately called the “Sunshine Poker Tournament,” with proceeds going to a variety of causes including The Ottawa Hospital Foundation. Camille says he is impressed with the Foundation’s status as one of the most efficient healthcare foundations in Canada, with our cost to raise a dollar at $0.18. Additionally, for eleven consecutive years, The Ottawa Hospital Foundation has been named a High Performer by the Association of Healthcare Professionals.

So far, the Najah Ayoub Foundation has raised more than half a million dollars.

“You don’t know when you plant those seeds of good exactly what kind of tree or flower will blossom,” says Camille. “But our goal is to make sure we are shining as bright a light as possible so that we can spread our generosity as far as it can go.”

Clifford North’s story is a testament to resilience, self-determination, and gratitude.

Adopted at birth and raised in rural Manitoba, his humble beginnings meant his early years were marked by a lack of resources — including medical care. But Clifford’s spirit was always strong.

At age 21, now making his own way through life, a routine blood test revealed something that had been missed because of years without regular healthcare: Clifford had been born with only one kidney.

“I’m probably in better shape than I have been for many years.”

— Clifford North

Determined to live a long and healthy life, he committed himself to following the guidelines his doctors set out for him. He stuck to a healthy diet and avoided contact sports, but by no means sat back and coasted through life. Early on, he played softball and later took up curling and golf. Now, at age 80, says “I’m probably in better shape than I have been for many years” Clifford says.

Clifford’s career also kept him busy. He has worn many hats, including those of an accountant, computer systems consultant, financial planner, and even a sculptor. He also landscaped, made additions, and remodeled homes over the last 45 years. His motto, “I can do anything I put my mind to,” has guided him through every challenge and triumph.

For 72 years, Clifford’s one kidney held out — in large part because of the care he took to protect it. But eight years ago, life took a significant turn. He needed a transplant, and none of his family members were a viable match. That was when a friend and fellow curler at the North Grenville Curling Club circulated a letter asking people to get tested to see if they were a match.

As it turned out, Wayne Pitt was the match Clifford needed, and he graciously offered to be the donor.

Testing was completed over a seven-month period, and on September 1, 2016, Clifford underwent a successful kidney transplant at the Ottawa General Campus. His creatine level was 500 going in, but 82 coming out of surgery and has remained the same. Today, he and his donor share a special bond, golfing and curling together. “We joke that I look after his left kidney for him,” Clifford says with a laugh.

Reflecting on the surgery, Clifford recalls no fear, despite the seriousness of the procedure. “I just face life as it comes. I had no pain whatsoever from the operation. I had excellent care on the seventh floor for the four or five days I was there, and follow-up has been excellent.”

“I’m going on eight years as a kidney transplant patient at The Ottawa Hospital. I felt I could afford it. It’s my way of giving back.”

— Clifford North

The same lack of hesitation that led him to follow doctors’ orders all those years ago is what led Clifford to support The Ottawa Hospital as a monthly donor. “I’m going on eight years as a kidney transplant patient at The Ottawa Hospital. I felt I could afford it. It’s my way of giving back.”

Now retired, Clifford enjoys a vibrant life in Kanata with his wife, Jocelyne. As they celebrate 36 years of marriage, they cherish the family they have built together: two sons, two daughters, five grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Retirement has given Clifford and Jocelyne the freedom to travel extensively — from visiting museums in Paris, dinning in Italy, exploring the Czech Republic (Czechia) or enjoying a sunset in Hawaii, Australia, and Mexico. Even when at home, Clifford golfs about twice a week, exploring courses all over Eastern Ontario.

“I can’t think of another place that’s as important. Almost every one of us will at some point be touched by The Ottawa Hospital.”

— Clifford North

Clifford’s story is more than just a personal triumph; it’s an inspiring call to action. “I made it from nothing to end up retiring in style and being able to help out the hospital financially,” he says. “I can’t think of another place that’s as important. Almost every one of us will at some point be touched by The Ottawa Hospital.”

Clifford’s ongoing support is a testament to the lifesaving work of the hospital and the incredible community that surrounds it. He hopes sharing his story will inspire others to consider becoming monthly donors to The Ottawa Hospital — helping ensure patients receive exceptional care when they need it.