Community Rallies to Help Hotel Dieu Shaver Foundation Purchase Vital Rehab Equipment

After the 2022 Celebrity Ice Cup was postponed for the second year due to COVID-19, local businesses stepped up to help meet $100,000 goal.

Hotel Dieu Shaver (HDS) Foundation faced a harsh reality; the 2022 Celebrity Ice Cup – the most successful fundraising initiative of the year - was postponed for the second year due to COVID-19, but the needs remained present.

Funds raised from this signature event were expected to purchase priority patient care equipment totaling $100,000. This included an urgent need to replace a state-of-the-art STISIM Driving Simulator and several patient care equipment items for both inpatient and outpatient programs at Hotel Dieu Shaver - Niagara’s only rehabilitation and complex care hospital.

New state-of-the-art Driving Simulator on the way thanks to Mountainview Building Group

One of the most commonly used therapy tools at HDS is the Driving Simulation Program. Located in the Mountainview Courtyard, the Driving Simulator is accessed by both inpatient and outpatient programs, such as Neurology, Orthopaedic and Parkinson’s and Stroke Rehab. As of December 2021, the Driving Simulator (installed in 2012) was removed as a therapy tool when it reached its end-of-life. As one of the most occupied tools that therapists use with their patients, the loss of the Driving Simulator at HDS is directly impacting the care we can provide.

With the funds no longer counted on from the Celebrity Ice Cup, HDS Foundation reached out to dedicated supporter Mark Basciano, President of Mountainview Building Group for support.

“When we found out that the Driving Simulator – one of the most commonly used therapy tools at Hotel Dieu Shaver – was removed from patient use in December 2021 due to malfunctioning beyond repair, we knew we needed to help,” said Mark Basciano, President of Mountainview Building Group. “As a long-time supporter of HDS, we know the important work they do, and incredible service they provide to our community. We are very honoured to be the lead donor in their important initiative to raise funds for equipment that would have been purchased with proceeds from the 2022 Celebrity Ice Cup event. We know this new state-of-the-art Driving Simulation System will help rebuild and impact countless lives.”

Thanks to a generous donation of $75,000 from Mountainview Building Group, the STISIM Driving Simulator has been purchased and is on its way to HDS!

“The driving simulator is a vital tool that our therapists can use to help patients at HDS rebuild their lives. Being able to evaluate their progress and driving abilities as part of their therapy program offers so much encouragement to our patients. Not only does it help them regain their independence but in many cases restores their livelihood and family life.” Jeane Davis-Fyfe Manager of Outpatient Rehabilitation & Specialty Clinics Hotel Dieu Shaver Health & Rehabilitation Centre.


It is vital that our healthcare team has the tools they need to restore health, rebuild lives and renew hope for every patient that comes through our doors. Ensuring that Hotel Dieu Shaver is well equipped with the most up-to-date tools and services is something we all have a hand in. Those interested in helping us raise the last 10% of our $100,000 goal can visit: www.Foundation.HotelDieuShaver.org or call 905-378-HDSF (4373)

Hotel Dieu Shaver Health and Rehabilitation Foundation raises and manages funds for patient-care equipment, education, specialty programs, and improvements to treatment areas to support exemplary patient care at Hotel Dieu Shaver, Niagara’s Only Rehabilitation Hospital.


By Nicole Kennedy | Mar 21st , 2022 | Categories: In The Community