Stories about defying the odds and making the best of what was given to them has always inspired people to do better. Canadian philanthropist Joe Segal is 88-years old now. He has a very interesting and extraordinary story about how he became the billion-dollar man who has a soft spot for mentally ill patients.
A gala called “Joe Segal: An Extraordinary Life,” will be held on June 4 at the Vancouver Convention Centre in honor of Joe’s success and continued support to charities devoted to taking care of patients suffering from mental sickness. The fundraising event will benefit Coast Mental Health, an organization Mr. Segal considers close to his heart.
A simple man who makes a difference
Joe Segal was not born a rich man. He was forced to rely on his own capabilities and to survive by himself at the young age of 14. After his father died, he was no longer able to continue his schooling and was forced to work to earn a living. Segal worked his way up to the top and is now considered one of the most successful businessmen in his country. Not only is Segal decorated with successful triumphs over the past years, but he has received tons of awards for his humanitarian efforts.
Together in helping others
Joe is not alone in his quest in helping those who are in dire need. He has the support of his wonderful wife Rosalie who has stood beside him through thick and thin. The couple is known for consistently supporting charitable organizations especially those harboring patients with mental illness. The couple was also able to give out no-interest micro loans to individuals who are experiencing financial crisis.
The Joseph and Rosalie Segal Family Health Center
Together, Joe and Rosalie made a huge contribution in the amount of $12 million last 2010 to UBC and VGH Hospital Foundation. The donation was put into good use since the plan was to make a 100-room care center specially made for patients with mental illness. The said center was named Joseph and Rosalie Segal Family Health Center.
Walking the same path
Statistics have determined that about 25% of the world’s population is suffering from mental health problems of some form. Somehow, when a person is suffering from mental illness rejection becomes the issue. The end result is that the person becomes alienated. This is unlikely to happen in patients suffering from cancer or any coronary problems. A stigma is often present when a patient is diagnosed to have some sort of mental problem.
According to Segal, he can somewhat comprehend and relate to what mentally ill patients are going through. In an interview, Segal stated that he was once told that he would never amount to anything. He has walked a path on his own and continually pursued the light at the end of the tunnel. All his efforts and hardship paid off, but he never forgot where he came from. He would rather talk about how to help the mentally ill rather than engage in other, less important things.
Photo Credit: Mental Illness
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