Rebuilding Lives

“I feel like Parkwood and the Nicli family are entwined with one another,” says Anne-Marie Nicli. “To have such a partner in Parkwood to look after your loved one was a great blessing.”

That deep connection inspired the Robert Nicli family (Anne-Marie and her mother Katherine) to make a transformational donation of $1.5 million in support of outpatient stroke rehabilitation at Parkwood Institute, St. Joseph’s Health Care London.

Their gift will expand the current Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Program (CORP) located at Parkwood Institute, which provides care for people who have been discharged from hospital and need ongoing support.  

The donation will support the construction of a purpose-built space for a new model of care that extends traditional stroke rehabilitation using evidence-based practice and innovative technologies to promote recovery from the effects of stroke. It will also include a one-of-a-kind resource hub and care environment that wraps around patients, their families and caregivers, giving them the support, information and connection they need as they adjust to the new normal of life after stroke. 

The space will be named in honour of the late Robert Nicli (Anne-Marie’s father and Katherine’s husband) who passed away in 2019. 

“This incredibly generous donation from the Nicli Family is providing our patients with a second chance at movement, independence and hope,” says Sandy Jansen, Vice President, Patient Care and Risk Management at St. Joseph’s. “The new centre will help patients and families rebuild lives, one step, one word and one triumph at a time.”

The Nicli family have been long-time supporters of St. Joseph’s, dating back decades, their family’s quiet philanthropy extended to many other organizations as well. Anne-Marie and Katherine believe that Robert would be proud and excited that his years of long days, hard work and dedication as a business leader is making such a transformational change to health care today.  

This donation is a remarkable way to honour the memory and life of Robert Nicli,” says Michelle Campbell, President & CEO, St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to the Nicli family for their vision and their philanthropic spirit, which will make a difference in the lives of many other people from across the region.”

Wrap-around care and support

In 2014, Robert suffered a stroke and spent seven weeks receiving inpatient stroke rehabilitation care at Parkwood. It was upon his return home that Anne-Marie first conceived the idea to expand CORP. 

“When you witness someone you love working through stroke recovery, you quickly realize that the journey doesn’t end at hospital discharge,” says Anne-Marie. 

As Robert continued his recovery from home, the Niclis immediately saw the need for additional outpatient rehabilitation and caregiver support. Their donation will establish a new space to fill the gap for outpatient services, along with the purchase of new rehabilitation equipment. 

Their hope is that this will support many families in the region in accessing critical services, information and resources. They also hope that it will create opportunities for people to connect with others on a similar journey. 

Building a family business

The Robert Nicli family has called St. Thomas, ON home since the 1920s when Anne-Marie’s grandfather Arturo Nicli immigrated from Italy. 

Their family business, Elgin Construction Company Limited, has been a permanent fixture in the community since 1944. Since its founding, the company has focused on performing underground infrastructure projects including sewer, watermain and road construction projects. 

Robert took the reins of the business from his father and for decades was an industry leader. 

Described as private, driven, loyal and sentimental, Robert’s priorities were always crystal clear - his family and his business. Tireless, Robert devoted hours to his business and his employees. He also loved golf, boating and the family time he was able to enjoy in warmer climates.

After his stroke, Robert stepped away from the business and Anne-Marie became President in 2019. She’s grateful to have worked closely with her father for several years to learn all aspects of the business before his passing. This year, the company celebrated its 80th anniversary – marking an incredible milestone for the family business. 

“My grandfather came to Canada with a dream and determination to make life work, and I think he would be astounded at what we have achieved,” says Anne-Marie with pride. 

A special place

“You walk away from Parkwood knowing that your loved one is deeply cared for,” says Katherine. 

Mother and daughter share this sentiment about the hospital. 

“What’s unique to me about Parkwood is the staff – they cared for my dad, my mom and me with great compassion,” says Anne-Marie.

When it became evident that Robert was at his end-of-life journey, the Niclis knew the best place for him and for them was Parkwood. They recall how much care, empathy and compassion the staff showed him. Years before, Katherine’s sister also received end-of-life care at Parkwood’s Palliative Care Program. 

The family is proud to play a role in expanding the stroke rehabilitation program to touch even more families across the region. “Making this donation feels like honouring my dad’s memory while also creating a lasting impact in our community,” Anne-Marie shares. 

It is expected that the renovations and expansion of the Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation program will begin in mid-2025.