Dr. Richard Styka has been a dedicated supporter of Copernicus Lodge for over 30 years, consistently making donations to help sustain the institution. He believes that people are motivated to give for different reasons—some because a loved one has lived there, others because they want to ensure its continued presence in the community, and many simply because they recognize its vital role in providing compassionate care. “Copernicus Lodge has such a beautiful history of helping people.”
His personal connection to Copernicus Lodge runs deep, shaped by two people who contributed greatly to its development. As a young boy, Dr. Styka was an altar server for Father Michael Smith. His parents, who immigrated to Toronto in 1950, ran a shoe store and attended St. Casimir’s Church, which Father Smith helped establish as the city’s third Polish parish. Later, as a teenager, Dr. Styka would occasionally serve at mass at the Oblate Fathers residence on Indian Crescent where Father Smith resided as Provincial Director, unaware at the time of the significant impact the priest would have on the Polish-Canadian community by founding Copernicus Lodge.
Copernicus Lodge would become a major part of Dr. Styka’s family life. During his university years, he met and married Gisela Kalejta, who became a nurse at Copernicus Lodge and later its Director of Nursing, eventually assuming the role of Executive Director. Over time, Dr. Styka’s in-laws became residents, making Copernicus Lodge a meaningful place for family gatherings, including Christmas Eve “Wigilia” celebrations.
Dr. Styka practiced dentistry nearby on Bloor Street for decades and Gisela often walked from Copernicus Lodge to visit his office during work breaks. Unfortunately, Gisela passed away in 2006, but his dedication has never wavered. Even after retiring from dentistry in 2023 following 53 years in practice, he remains committed to supporting Copernicus Lodge, encouraging others to contribute regularly. He stresses that small donations from many people collectively make a significant difference.
To Dr. Styka, Copernicus Lodge is more than just a care facility—it is a place filled with memories, history, and a legacy of compassion and a longstanding tradition of helping people. Every time he passes by, he is reminded of Gisela’s contributions and the positive impact that Copernicus Lodge continues to have on the community.
