Christmas Wishes for our Youngest Patients
Published Wednesday, December 11, 2024
With the holiday season in full swing, our hearts are especially drawn to the youngest, most fragile patients in our care. This Christmas, we're sharing a special Wish List—three pieces of equipment that could transform their hospital experience and bring hope and healing when they need it most. With your support, we can ensure these children receive the best care possible.
As Dr. Linda Bakovic, Chief of Paediatrics at our hospital, shared, "There is nothing more heartwarming than to see a child's eyes light up at the magic of Christmas. This holiday season, consider supporting life-saving equipment to help us help more children to be healthy and happy – at Christmas and always.”
We invite you to consider a donation to help us acquire one of these three critical pieces of equipment on our Christmas Wish List:
Starlight Fun Centre for Paediatric Patients (x2) - $15,000
For a child in the hospital, the days can feel long and scary. The Starlight Fun Centre provides a much-needed escape, offering children a chance to be kids again through fun, interactive video games. This mobile, all-in-one system can make a world of difference, distracting young patients from their treatments and bringing smiles to their faces when they need it most.
Cribettes for Paediatric Inpatient Rooms (x2) - $21,000
For our smallest patients, safety and comfort are paramount. Currently, the paediatric unit relies on large, bulky medical cribs that are difficult to transport. The addition of cribettes to our hospital will improve the safety and ease with which our tiniest patients are moved between departments. These smaller, more versatile units are designed for the secure and comfortable transportation of infants, especially those who are critically ill or premature. By ensuring a safer method of transfer, cribettes give parents peace of mind, knowing their infant is being cared for every step of the way.
Paediatric Transfer Deck Equipment for the Paediatric Emergency Transport Team - $88,000
In emergency situations, every second counts, and having the right equipment available can make the difference between life and death. The Paediatric Transfer Deck is a specialized system that equips our Paediatric Emergency Transport Team with the critical tools they need in crisis situations. To complete a second Paediatric Transfer Deck, we require two essential pieces of equipment: a ventilator and a defibrillator. With these life-saving tools, our medical team can respond quickly and effectively, ensuring that no child is left waiting for the care they need. The Paediatric Transfer Deck ensures we are always prepared to provide the best possible care in those urgent, life-saving moments.
A Special Giving Tuesday Focus
This Giving Tuesday, December 3, we've chosen to focus on fundraising for the equipment to complete a second Paediatric Transfer Deck. Our goal will be to raise $44,000 in just 24 hours!
To help, we're grateful to announce that the Sandra Schmirler Foundation has come on board to match every donation made to the Paediatric Transfer Deck. That means your impact will be doubled! Together, we can provide the Paediatric Emergency Transport Team with this life-saving equipment, ensuring they have the tools they need to provide urgent care when every second counts.
This holiday season, we invite you to join us in making a meaningful impact. Your donation—whether large or small—will help us fulfill these needs and ensure our youngest patients receive the care, comfort, and attention they deserve.
We understand that the ongoing Canada Post strike may have delayed the arrival of our Christmas Wish List appeal to your mailbox, or may impact your ability to send in your donation by mail. However, there's no need to worry – we've made it easier than ever to contribute to this important cause through several alternative options:
Online: Visit our website at www.healthsciencesfoundation.ca/wishlist to make your donation quickly and securely.
By Phone: Call us at 807-345-4673 to make your donation over the phone.
In-Person: Stop by our Donation Centre at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (located beside Robin's in the lobby). To make your visit easier, we're offering a free parking pass for anyone making a donation in person.
At our 50/50 Store in Intercity Shopping Centre: Simply bring your donation in an envelope to our Thunder Bay 50/50 store, and a member of our team will accept it there.
Warmest wishes for a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year. May all that is beautiful, meaningful, and brings you joy be yours this holiday season and throughout the coming year.