16th Annual Radiothon benefits Newborn and Family Centered Care
Thursday,April 25th marks the 16th Annual Sun FM Have a Heart Radiothon. Sun FM is committed to helping children in theNorth Okanagan, ensuring that they have access to the best healthcare possible.
On-airpersonalities Jerhett Schafer and Betty Selin will broadcast live on locationfrom the main entrance of Village Green Shopping Centre from 6:00 am to 6:00pm.
This year’s goal is to raise funds to support Women's & Children's Health Services by purchasing new and replacing outdated equipment to care for newborns and their moms. Some of the currently used equipment hasn’t been replaced in over 20 years! We will be raising funds for: 2 newborn isolettes, 1 transcutaneous bilimeter, and 12 baby bassinettes.
The isolettes are usedfor newborns needing additional support after birth, such as regulating theirtemperature and providing them with light that simulates the sun’s rays to helplower their bilirubin. The transcutaneous bilimeter is an incredible monitorthat will decrease the amount of blood draws (needle pokes) a baby will receivefollowing birth. Newborns can receive anywhere between 3-5 pokes, but with thismonitor, the number of pokes can be reduced to 1-3. VJH is one of the onlyhospitals within Interior Health that does not have this piece of equipment.New bassinettes will be much lighter in weight, more mobile, and heightadjustable, making it easier for a new mother to be close to her baby,especially after surgeries.
ClarenceFulton Secondary School students will be holding the 9th annual "BreakfastBags for Babies" on April 25 from 7:30 am to 10:00 am. All proceeds willbe donated to the Radiothon in support of VJH Foundation. Be on the look-outfor enthusiastic Fulton students at the lights by Okanagan Landing Road andFulton Road. Students will be located at various intervals along OKLanding Road in the direction of the Flower Spot and the Landing Plaza.
Theyhave prepared 200 breakfast bags for sale by donation and the bags will befilled with goodies; fruit, granola bars, muffins & coffee coupons.Breakfast items have been donated by generous, local businesses. Stop by to graba nutritious breakfast and to support a great cause!
Regardlessof the amount, all donations and challenges will be acknowledged on-air duringthe Radiothon. There will be an opportunity for businesses and individuals tochallenge others in our community and acknowledge the exceptional care receivedat Vernon Jubilee Hospital.
“Radiothonis one of my favourite days of the year! We see many of the same families everyyear and have watched children born at VJH grow into teenagers. I love how thecommunity comes together every year to share their stories and remind us howlucky we are to have this amazing facility and incredible staff to supportlocal families,” says Betty Selin, Sun FM Sunrise Show and Radiothon co-host. “Ican’t wait to see everyone again this year, especially the babies!”
“Havinghad the chance to tour the maternity ward at VJH, along with some of thenurses, it was clear how important the equipment upgrades are. Thehospital staff are so passionate about helping to bring so many children intothis world, and they want to do it with the best possible care. Let’smake sure that happens on April 25th!” says Jerhett Schafer, Sun FMSunrise Show and Radiothon co-host.
Donationscan be dropped off in person at the main door of the Village Green Shopping Centre(6:00 am to 6:00 pm), pledged by Visa or MasterCard by calling 250-549-1057 or donate on-line at www.vjhfoundation.org.
Since2004, Sun FM Have a Heart Radiothon has raised $766,773 for children at VJH.
