For Merlin Door Systems, giving is personal

As published in Fifty-Five Plus Magazine, by Rose Simpson

Merlin Door Systems, Ltd. has issued a challenge to other businesses in Ottawa to step up and support Bruyère Health, which is eastern Ontario’s leading health organization specializing in aging, rehabilitation and care for those with multiple complex medical conditions.
“The biggest call to arms for businesses big and small is that the medical field needs help and it needs it now,” says Tom Warford, Merlin’s vice-president and co-owner with Russell Grass Sr. “Even a small donation can go a long way. They all need something and if you’re able to, you should be contributing to that. At the end of the day, we all know somebody who’s been in need of medical care.”

In business since 1994, Merlin is a leading manufacturer of high-quality door solutions and it is committed to innovation and excellence. Beyond its business operations, the company prioritizes corporate social responsibility, focusing on philanthropy within the community— particularly in the health-care sector.

Recently, Merlin Door Systems made a significant contribution of over $150,000 to the Bruyère Health Foundation, supporting its mission to deliver exceptional care and services to Ottawa’s aging population. The funds will be used to pay for three bariatric beds, four ventilators and an ultrasound exam table.

Honouring a Memory with a Gift

There is always a story behind every gift. Russell first became involved with Bruyère Health in 2022, when Garry McCurdy, an employee with their sister company, Alloy Fabrications, faced a serious illness and was treated at the centre. It was during COVID, and the Bruyère Health staff went above and beyond to help Garry and his family. Sadly, he succumbed to his illness.

Russell wanted to do something to honour Garry’s memory.

“Our story is that they took fantastic care of Garry,” says Russell. “Garry was a good man. Bruyère took care of him and they helped him, and I wanted to give a gift back to them as a thanks. “I put out a challenge to friends and family. Instead of flowers, they could donate money and I matched it. I like this kind of challenge because it doubles up the donation. With the money, we were able to donate a bench for Bruyère’s garden (in Garry’s honour).”

Since Garry’s death, Russell and Tom have continued to support the centre with various donations. Recently, the pair realized Bruyère Health needed more significant financial support to meet the immediate needs of patients and staff.

Tom reached out to Bruyère Health for a proposal, and the health centre came back with a list of urgently needed equipment. The company looked at the list and chose equipment that would have an immediate impact on people’s lives and the working conditions of staff.

“We asked what they needed to make somebody’s quality of life better, or even the staff’s lives, like bariatric beds that make it easier for staff,” Tom explains. “Most importantly, we wanted to make an impact today.”
He adds that they hope their generous gift will make the lives of both patients, and staff, who are dedicated to delivering compassionate, person-centred care, a little easier.

“Nursing is a thankless job,” Russell says. “They’re dealing with a person on the worst day of their lives, they have a smile, they’re kind, they’re loving. During COVID, they gave their lives up.”

A Culture of Giving

Through its generous donations, Merlin Door Systems has not only enriched the lives of those served by Bruyère Health but has also inspired a culture of giving within the organization. Russell and Tom are proud of their business and the people who work for them and consider this gift to be one from all employees as part of the Merlin family.

Russell Grass Sr. was recently honoured with the Community Leader Award by the Canadian Construction Association and presented with the 2022 Community Leadership Award for his philanthropy. Since then, he has become more vocal. Tom Warford joins him in challenging businesses to give back to the Ottawa health-care community through company donations and fundraising challenges that involve employees.

By pooling efforts and resources, businesses and their employees can amplify their impact and ensure that vital support reaches those who need it most. Let’s unite to champion the cause of community health and well-being. Join Merlin Door Systems in making a difference—together, we can transform lives and foster a spirit of collaboration that strengthens our entire community.

“Every business can make a difference,” says Russell. “We’re looking at impacting lives today, to see what we can do today ... If you walk into a hospital or clinic in the city, and there is a new piece of equipment, somebody put their money into it."