Martin education trust fund.
Runnymede Healthcare Centre staff donated $10,000 toward an education trust fund for Rasheed Martin, the five-year-old boy of one of its long time employees, Marvin Martin. Marvin passed away suddenly in July of last year. Pictured is (back row l-r) Fazia Ali, Maria Czyz, Jonny Palmiero, Runnymede President and CEO Connie Dejak, Gina Peluso, Vanessa Lorenco, Director of Food and Nutrition, Zoe Dias, Bozena Beniko, Alicia Kuliszewski; Front row: Marvin Martin’s nephew Dwayne, son Rasheed Martin and wife Emily.
Staff photo/LISA RAINFORD
Emily Martin is still in disbelief over the generosity of her late husband's co-workers and friends at Runnymede Healthcare Centre (RHC).
President and CEO Connie Dejak invited Martin to the hospital recently because she said she had "a few things" for the couple's son Rasheed, 5.
Instead, Martin arrived on Monday, February 28, only to discover that a special event had been organized in her family's honour. Health care centre staff had set up an education fund for Rasheed, which they presented the boy and his mother during a ceremony that afternoon.
"I was shocked. I had no idea," revealed Martin. "I'm still shocked and in disbelief. I couldn't express how thankful I am."
Martin's husband, Marvin, an employee at Runnymede hospital for the past nine years, died suddenly during a pick-up game of basketball in July last year. He was 30. He succumbed to a heart condition he didn't know he had.
Marvin, according to his wife, was full of energy.
"He was really nice, kind - he always made you feel welcome," she said. "He was funny."
A jokester, Marvin was fun to hang out with, added Martin.
The two met eight years ago while Martin was on her way to the bus stop to go to work.
"He saw me and we started to talk," said the now 26-year-old.
They had been together ever since.
Martin admitted that it's been difficult since her husband passed away. She works two jobs to make ends meet.
"There are good days and bad days," she said.
Since Marvin's death, Martin said she thought the pain would subside with time. Instead, she said, it's been getting harder and harder to cope.
Marvin's death shocked and saddened everyone at Runnymede hospital, said Dejak.
"We wanted to come together as a community to honour his memory and support his wife, Emily and five-year-old son Rasheed," she said. "I am delighted and very proud that the staff at RHC raised over $10,000 towards an education trust fund for Rasheed to assist him in reaching his education goals in later life."
Rasheed was not only given the gift of an education, but was given tickets to see a Toronto Raptors Basketball game and a chance to meet with the team.
"Basketball is near and dear to Rasheed's heart as his father was a basketball enthusiast," said Dejak. "We are appreciative to (Etobicoke-Lakeshore) Councillor Mark Grimes for helping make this special gift happen."
Dejak extends her appreciation to all those who supported Martin and her son and hope it inspires other to follow their lead.