Record $1.5 million donation from law firm helps Sunnybrook meet demand for emergency services

Brothers Juan and Cesar Carranza understand trauma firsthand. The Carranzas fled the war in El Salvador in 1980, and eventually escaped to Canada in 1983, shortly after the United States refused to accept them as refugees.

"Canada provided us with opportunities that would be impossible in the States," says Juan. "We have a deep appreciation for Canadian social services. We were able to go to school and get an education here."

The Carranzas are paying it forward now by making a tremendous leadership donation of $1.5 million on behalf of their law firm Carranza Barristers & Solicitors in support of Sunnybrook's Trauma, Emergency & Critical Care program.

"Many of our clients have been patients in Sunnybrook's Emergency Department. It never ceases to amaze us, the gravity of these people's situations and how well they have been cared for," says Cesar.

"Before construction began for our new Emergency Department, we were caring for more than double the patients our facility was designed to handle," says Kevin Goldthorp, chief executive officer of Sunnybrook Foundation. The Carranzas' landmark gift has helped Sunnybrook finish building a world-leading facility that meets our growing needs."

Juan and Cesar are happy to help Sunnybrook achieve its vision, and believe their firm mirrors the hospital's leadership.

"Our firm is not one of the biggest law firms in Canada, but we wanted to make a real difference," says Juan. "Our only regret is that we couldn't do more."