A well-known London developer and commercial landlord has stepped up to help cover the cost to repair the Banting House Flame of Hope, which was damaged by vandals over the weekend.
Shmuel Farhi, president of Farhi Holdings, has donated a "substantial amount" to see the eternal flame reignited.
The flame on the monument outside of the Adelaide Street museum was snuffed out on Saturday night after vandals stuffed debris, including metal, into it. The Flame of Hope is considered an international symbol of hope that a cure for diabetes will be found and has shined brightly atop the 12 ft. monument since being lit by the Queen Mother in July 1989.
“I really felt compelled to give Banting House a hand. We experience vandalism and property damage on a regular basis with our downtown properties," Farhi said in a statement. “I hope this [donation] inspires our community to be more compassionate, because this monument is important to many families around the world who may have one or more loved ones that have been impacted by diabetes."
Farhi's donation comes as Banting House launched a fundraising campaign to not only repair the Flame of Hope, but install security cameras around the national historic site. Dubbed the Rekindle the Flame campaign, the fundraiser aims to bring in $20,000 toward the cause.
Banting House, which is owned and operated by the Canadian Diabetes Association, has been dealing with a revenue shortfall since having to close its doors to the public in March due to COVID-19. Typically, people from more than 80 countries travel to the museum each year. The site is the former home of Sir Frederick Banting and is the location where he thought up the idea that led to the discovery of insulin in 1922.
Museum Curator Grant Maltman called the vandalism a "senseless act" that was "disheartening."
Since the flame was snuffed out on the weekend, Banting House has received an outpouring of support from the community, Maltman added.
Donations to the Rekindle the Flame campaign can be made through the Banting House website.
