A retired Winnipeg pharmacist is donating $1 million to two health centres, a gift arising from 35 years of saving.

J. Laurie Johnston describes himself as a child of the depression. He remembers his mother ran a soup kitchen for the needy, out of their house.

Johnston also recalls the time a family friend gave him $200 when he was financially strapped.

In announcing the gift Friday, Johnston explained how he spent decades setting aside funds for the donation.

"I set up a separate account [and] I worked on it for years," Johnston said. "This last summer ended up with my one million." Johnston said $500,000 will go to the Riverview Health Centre's palliative care program.

The other $500,000 will go to a program at the Misericordia Health Centre that helps seniors live independently in their own homes.

“It's a very good feeling," Johnston said. "It's good because I know people need help and this is a direct way of funneling specified appropriate help."

Johnston said he interviewed several organizations before settling on the recipients.