Impact of Giving

For Peter Buckley and Kelly Patterson, supporting UNB’s Integrated Health Initiative is an investment in their community’s future.

The couple recently donated $100,000 in support of the Health and Social Innovation Centre on UNB’s Saint John campus. Construction is underway on the 65,000 square foot facility, optimized for health education through technology-driven teaching and innovation.

Located on UNB’s Saint John campus at the heart of a thriving health sector which includes New Brunswick Community College’s Allied Health education program, Dalhousie Medicine NB’s physician education program and the Saint John Regional Hospital, the Integrated Health Initiative serves as an ecosystem where interdisciplinary health education, cutting-edge research and groundbreaking innovation converge. Its impact is already substantial, increasingly positioning New Brunswick as a hub of health innovation.

Kelly and Peter, principal partners at BPS Securities in Rothesay, credit their trusted friend and IHI campaign cabinet member, Charlie Harling (BBA ‘85) with introducing them to the project.

Peter says his connection with UNB Saint John, where he played basketball as a student, was also fostered by two basketball coaches – current Seawolves men’s coach Paul Vaughan, whose work to reconnect with alumni has had a meaningful impact, and Bob Bonnell, who coached Peter as a player.

Peter and Kelly are longtime supporters of community initiatives for change and advancement. “We are particularly drawn to organizations who are innovative, creative and ambitious in their approach,” says Kelly. “We are committed supporters of Sistema NB, Kaleidoscope Social Impact and the United Way. The UNB Integrated Health Initiative similarly is a bold and innovative project that will bring widespread benefits to Saint John and the province as a whole.

“We hope others will join us in supporting this important project.”