During the B.C. Lions home opener, the franchise announced a $250,000 donation by the estate of David Braley to the British Columbia provincial Heart Centre at St. Paul’s Hospital.
“We are very grateful for this donation. St. Paul’s Hospital is home to the BC provincial Heart Centre, where we see the most complex cardiac cases in the province,” president and CEO St. Paul’s Foundation, Dick Vollet said.
“Gifts like this have a huge impact on our patients, many of whom rely on St. Paul’s Hospital for care they cannot get anywhere else.”
The late former owner and champion for his philanthropic work, Mr. Braley took great pride in giving back to communities and organizations near and dear to his heart.
After a health scare just prior to the 2016 season, Mr. Braley was under the care and guidance of the great doctors and caregivers at St. Paul’s Hospital, who played a major role in his recovery that eventually allowed him to return to work and everyday normal life. This gift is in memory of Mr. Braley and honours his incredible legacy in British Columbia.
Braley passed away in October 2020 after purchasing the team in 1997. He reportedly left enough funds for the Lions to operate for several years in his estate.
During his induction speech at the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 2012, Braley spoke of how proud he was going from 8,000 fans in the stands at his first game as owner to averaging 35,000 at the highest point of his tenure.
