The Gift of Time, Talent and Treasure

Honouring the life of Christopher Hood — a talented performer, grateful Markham Stouffville Hospital patient, and generous legacy donor.

Growing up with the hoods

Growing up in a busy Buttonville household, Christopher Hood was the youngest of five boys. The brothers had a strong bond, nurtured by their parents’ shared commitment to giving back to the community.

Their father William — better known as Bill — sat on the boards for both Oak Valley Health’s Markham Stouffville Hospital (MSH) and MSH Foundation, while their mother, Molly, worked at the hospital’s gift shop. For three years running, the entire Hood family hosted the Bill Hood Cornfield Shindig benefitting the hospital. Later in life, Jim Hood — the eldest brother — followed in their father’s footsteps, serving on the MSH Foundation Board, too.

Christopher, however, took a different path. “He was an actor, and an incredible musician and singer,” says Brian, the second youngest Hood brother. “Musically, he had perfect pitch.”

“He had the nerve and courage to follow his dream,” adds Jim proudly.

Following his dream

As a young professional, Christopher’s budding career as a musician and theatre actor lead him to Vancouver, and then overseas where he spent a decade travelling and performing. He graced the stages of Ireland, England, and Scotland, while rubbing shoulders with the likes of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Liam Neeson in productions such as Peter Pan, Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Super Star, Cabaret, and Guys & Dolls.

While working in a European touring company, Christopher took on all trade aspects of the theatre industry in addition to performing — from long rehearsals and set building, to selling tickets for the countless major productions he was a part of.

“It was a very tough road,” expresses Brian. “It didn’t allow for accommodations.”

After 12 accomplished years under the spotlight, Christopher returned home in need of a break from the demands of theatre life.

It wasn’t about recognition, it was about supporting the community, which was instilled in us by our father.

Brian Hood

Finding care, close to home

Back in Canada, Christopher began experiencing manic episodes in his 40’s. It quickly became clear to the family that he was struggling with his mental health and his brothers helped him seek compassionate care at a place they all knew and trusted well — MSH.

“We didn’t see a lot of what was going on until he came back,” remembers Jim. “So, I brought him over to the hospital and that’s when he began counselling. Dr. Sethna was a big part of his healing process.”

Dr. Rustom Sethna — Oak Valley Health’s Chief of Psychiatry at the time — diagnosed Christopher with Bipolar Disorder and remained his primary mental health care provider for more than 20 years. The Hood brothers emphasize how much our culture’s understanding of mental health has evolved over that time span. “The previous generation thought, Well, you’re not sick, it’s just in your head. That’s not having an understanding of the disease, right?” comments Brian.

“There had been such a stigma around mental health,” agrees Jim. “People didn’t want to come forward or talk about it with their families.”

Thanks to the care he received at MSH and the support of his family, Christopher was able to manage his condition and continue enjoying the things he loved most. He reconnected with his love for volunteering, donating his time to the Salvation Army and the Fred Varley Art Gallery. And he shared his musical gifts, performing on the piano for residents at local seniors’ homes.

“He sounded like Josh Groban,” beams Brian. “He had a beautiful voice.”

Time, talent, and treasure

Sadly, Christopher passed away in 2022 after suffering a massive heart attack at the age of 65.

Inspired by his family’s deep ties to MSH, Christopher left MSH Foundation as a benefactor in his Will. MSH Foundation honours Christopher and the Hood family’s legacy of giving, which has helped bring a lifetime of care closer to home.

Christopher’s profound gift supports MSH and its critical departments facing unprecedented demands, like the Gulshan & Pyarali G. Nanji Mental Health Services. With the support of our community’s investment, MSH plans to expand its mental health care services to include a Child and Adolescent Inpatient Mental Health Unit. This unit will give kids in crisis a place to heal when it matters most and enhance its associated outpatient programs to support sustainable recoveries for today’s youth.

“It wasn’t about recognition,” Brian says about Christopher’s decision to be a legacy donor. “It was about supporting the community, which was instilled in us by our father.”

“To me, giving comes in three different ways,” reflects Jim. “It comes in your time, your talents, or your treasures. And Christopher gave in all three. The trifecta.”

Legacy giving is a powerful way to support the people and causes that are meaningful to you through thoughtful planning. For more information please contact Elaine Bernard, Senior Development Officer at 905-472-7373 ext. 6619, or ebernard@mshf.on.ca