An Ontario couple with a Maritime connection has made the largest single donation to the IWK Health Centre in its 103-year history.

Myron and Berna Garron handed over $10 million dollars Friday. Most of the money is earmarked for the hospital's mental health unit.

Myron Garron is originally from Westport, N.S. He and Berna spent their working lives building a successful auto parts business.

They have a big family, but they will never forget the young son they lost to cancer. They wanted to give back in a big way, so they asked the IWK what they needed.

“Our answer, number one, is mental health,” says Garron. “And of course, I know that mental health is a serious problem in Canada.”

“It’s dark, and you know, just not a cheerful place for children,” says Berna Garron. “And if you had a mental health problem, you would be depressed.”

They say the hospital’s existing mental health facility needs improvement and they hope their donation will change that.

Not only is the money the most ever donated to the IWK, it may also be the largest donation ever made at any hospital in Atlantic Canada.

Anne McGuire, president and CEO of the IWK Health Centre, made the announcement Tuesday morning at the hospital’s Goldbloom Research Pavilion in Halifax.

“The needs of a highly specialized health centre like the IWK are always growing and the standards for caring are always improving,” she said. “It is our goal to not only keep up, but to exceed expectations and continue to provide Maritime women, children and youth with the world class care they deserve.”

Even patients who are not being treated for mental health issues are deeply moved by the Garrons’ generous donation.

“I can’t believe how generous people are with their money, and being able to donate to such an amazing cause,” says patient Rebecca Boise.

“It’s unbelievable having people out there that are still willing to help out,” says patient Michael Rumsby.

The gift is particularly welcome after the IWK was forced to make cutbacks in the area of mental health not long ago.

The funds will also support a state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit and a new suite of women’s health care facilities at the IWK.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Ron Shaw