The Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH) in Barrie received a major boost in its efforts to support youth mental health, thanks to a $95,000 donation from a longtime community member and hospital advocate.
Rayner McCullough, a retired businessman and lifelong Barrie resident, chose to mark his 95th birthday by giving back to a cause close to his heart. His donation will support the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Child and Youth Mental Health Program at RVH.
“The hospital has always been important to me,” McCullough told BarrieToday. “I was born there. My wife and son were born there. My wife passed away there. RVH has always been the centre of life in Barrie — and it just keeps growing.”
McCullough’s generous gift will help fund vital mental health services for children and youth across the region. He emphasized the importance of mental well-being, saying, “Without mental health, you have no health at all. That’s the beginning and end of life.”
The hospital held a private celebration in his honour at his former office on Toronto Street. There, McCullough reflected on seeing friends and community members who’ve supported him over the years. “It feels good to see people I don’t get to see often,” he said.
RVH President and CEO Gail Hunt praised McCullough’s continued generosity and leadership. “Rayner is a legacy in this community,” she said. “He’s been an example of what it means to support your local hospital. This birthday gift — on top of his regular donations — is a powerful reminder of the impact individuals can have.”
Hunt noted that youth mental health has become a pressing issue, especially in recent years. “Among youth aged 11 to 17, about 70 to 75 per cent of the care we provide is related to mental health. We’re seeing increasing pressure due to post-pandemic effects and social media,” she said.
The Simcoe Muskoka Regional Child and Youth Mental Health Program is the only one of its kind in the region. It offers both inpatient and outpatient care, along with educational support from certified teachers to help youth stay on track academically.
According to Hunt, McCullough’s donation will help the hospital maintain daily operations and invest in updated technology and staff training. “As our population grows, we must be ready to expand our services. Having donor support ensures we’re prepared when funding and approvals come through,” she said.
For McCullough, staying involved in the community is what drives him. He says maintaining flexibility — both physically and mentally — is key to living a long and meaningful life.
“There’s an old tree out there that’s taken a beating from wind and snowplows, but it’s still standing because it’s pliable,” he said. “That’s how I try to live. If your body and mind remain useful to the community, you can keep going for a long time.”
McCullough says he has no plans to slow down and intends to keep contributing to Barrie’s future for as long as he can.
