Thank You for Making a Life-Saving Impact on Giving Tuesday
Published Wednesday, December 18, 2024
Michelle L., Registered Nurse, and Heather P., Registered Respiratory Therapist, are members of the Paediatric Emergency Transport Team at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
On Giving Tuesday, December 3, the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation set out to raise $44,000 to fund a second fully-equipped Paediatric Transfer Deck for the Paediatric Emergency Transport Team. Thanks to the incredible support from our community, we exceeded our goal, raising $47,570.85. With a matching donation from the Sandra Schmirler Foundation, the final amount raised was $91,770.85.
"Giving Tuesday is such a special day for our Foundation," says Lindsay Doran-Bonk, Manager of Digital Engagement at the Health Sciences Foundation. "I've had the privilege of leading this campaign for many years, and the generosity we see from our community never ceases to amaze me. The support we received this year exceeded our expectations, and I am deeply grateful for each and every donation."
This life-saving equipment will allow the Paediatric Emergency Transport Team to safely and efficiently transfer two paediatric patients simultaneously, improving both response times and access to care for children in remote and underserved areas. Thanks to donations on Giving Tuesday, the second Paediatric Transfer Deck now includes a ventilator and defibrillator, ensuring that no child is left waiting when every moment counts.
Support from the Sandra Schmirler Foundation also played a key role in this achievement. Their mission to provide life-saving equipment for neonatal and paediatric care aligns closely with the goals of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation. By matching every donation towards the Paediatric Transfer Deck equipment made on Giving Tuesday dollar-for-dollar, they helped ensure we could secure the critical equipment needed for our youngest patients.
“The addition of this second paediatric transfer deck will be a game-changer for our team and the families we serve,” says Janessa Grootenboer, Acting Regional Paediatrics and Transport Coordinator. “This equipment will significantly improve our ability to respond to emergencies quickly, especially in Northern communities where access to specialized care is limited. This is a crucial step toward bridging the gap and ensuring that children across Northwestern Ontario receive timely, life-saving care.”
The Paediatric Transfer Deck is equipped with medical tools such as a ventilator and defibrillator, to stabilize critically ill or injured children during transport. By enabling the transport of two patients at once, this deck will help reduce wait times, speed up transfers, and provide immediate care when every moment counts. It is a critical addition to the Paediatric Emergency Transport Team, ensuring that children across the region receive the best care, no matter how far they are from specialized medical resources.
“This equipment will not only improve our response times but will also help strengthen the healthcare network across the region,” adds Grootenboer. “It's a huge step forward in providing the care our children deserve, closer to home.”
We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported us on Giving Tuesday and throughout the year to make this project a reality. Your generosity will have a lasting impact on the health and well-being of children in our community and our region.
Thank you for making a difference. Together, we are strengthening healthcare in Northwestern Ontario and ensuring that every child receives the care they need, when they need it.