For more than 30 years, Earl Karamath has been quietly shaping the heart of Humber River Health. Not from an operating room or behind a desk, but in the corridors and patient spaces where quiet acts of care make a lasting difference. 

As a Maintenance Mechanic and proud member of Humber’s Very Own (HVO), Earl embodies the spirit of humble generosity. “Humber has been my second family,” he says. “It’s not a job to me, it’s a passion. We look after the sick, and I do whatever I can to help.” 

“All the schools I attended were founded by Canadians. They helped me so much, so giving to Humber is my way of giving back to Canada and Canadians.” Earl Karamath

Earl and his wife left Trinidad for Toronto in 1989, seeking treatment for a medical condition that couldn’t be managed back home. They settled near Weston and Church, unaware that down the street stood the former Humber Memorial Hospital, now Humber’s Church campus. It was there that Earl’s wife received care and where the course of his own life would inevitably change. 

“My first job was in Brampton. I had to take three buses to get there every day,” Earl recalls. “I used to pray every day that I’d get a job closer to home. One day I saw a little ad in the Toronto Sun for a Maintenance Mechanic at Humber. I applied, and the rest is history.” 

Earl found more than a job—he found an extended family and a renewed purpose. “I used to give my offering to my church, but once I started working Sundays, I couldn’t go,” he says. “So, I began giving my tithes to the Foundation. That was in 1990, and I’ve been giving ever since.” 

One team member had a significant impact on Earl’s journey. “From day one, my Lead Hand, Tony Pelullo, has guided, mentored, and looked out for my well-being,” Earl shares, adding, “He made me feel welcome on the Maintenance Team, and over the years, we’ve worked well together.” 

After 25 years of service, Earl retired in 2015. However, just two years later, he received a call from Barb Collins, President and CEO of Humber River Health, asking him to return to support the reopening of Humber’s Finch Campus. 

“When the decision was made to reopen the Finch site, Tony asked Barb to rehire me to assist with the project, and she approved,” Earl explains. “I was honoured and I’m grateful to both Barb and Tony for the opportunity.” 

Earl continues to be a steady, compassionate presence across Humber’s campuses. One moment that stands out for him involves a distressed patient who had lost her wedding ring. “I remember a patient lost her wedding ring down the sink,” he recalls. “She was so upset. I took the sink apart and found the ring. She wouldn’t stop hugging me.” 

Whether rescuing a ring or adjusting the heat in a patient’s room, Earl takes pride in the small things that provide comfort. “I see patients every day. Some are in their final days, so it means a lot to bring them even a little peace. Whatever it is, whatever the patients need, we try to accommodate them.” 

His generous spirit goes beyond fundraising. “I give my time too, staying late to get things done,” he says. “I was taught to give, and I always try to give what I can.” 

That spirit of giving was instilled in Earl from a young age. Growing up in Trinidad, he was influenced by Canadians who helped with his education. Supporting Humber, Earl says, is his way of giving back. 

“Growing up in Trinidad, my life was touched by Canadian missionaries,” Earl shares. “All the schools I attended were founded by Canadians. They helped me so much, so giving to Humber is my way of giving back to Canada and Canadians.” 

And what would he say to someone thinking about becoming a donor? “I would absolutely encourage them,” Earl says. “I’ve seen so many people in need. Some are completely helpless. In my heart, I feel I’m here to support them. I just wish I could give more.” 

Become an HVO Member 

No one knows Humber better than us – the people of Humber River Health. Humber’s Very Own (HVO) is our employee-giving program, where Humber’s staff and physicians can support Humber River Health Foundation through payroll deductions. Become a member today!