We should all be forever grateful for John Barker's vision many years ago.

When I'm at the Centre I look at Mr. Barker's portrait and I say — 'thank you, every time.'

Thank you to him and all of the others who made the idea of the Group Health Centre into a reality.

In the late 1950s, I remember going to the first union meeting where we were to discuss the idea of building a new health centre. Our union rep told us it was very important that we attend the meeting. At the time, it was a secret and we weren’t supposed to discuss the details.

I remember being so excited about the idea! You have to remember that this was before Medicare became available.

My father worked sometimes seven days a week and raised a big family. One time he was very sick and the doctor came to our house to give him an injection. He gave the doctor his last few dollars and asked him not to return because he couldn’t afford medical care. My father was not angry or feeling sorry for himself — he wasn't like that. He was a realist and he knew he couldn't afford medical care.

I also remember meeting an older man who worked at Algoma Steel. He told me that every single penny that he had ever earned went towards medical care because his wife was so very ill. He had worked his entire life and had no money. I remember feeling so sad for him.

To join the Group Health Centre, it cost about .50¢ per week or we could pay a total of $135. I gave the $135 right away because I want to support the Centre.

This is all from the heart. From day one — the Group Health Centre was it for me! We are so fortunate in Sault Ste. Marie!

I don't know if John Barker and all of the people who worked so hard to open the Centre realized how successful it would be!