Over $93,000 Raised for Essential Neonatal Equipment at VJH
VERNON, BC — The families of the North Okanagan have done it again. Thanks to the community’s remarkable generosity, VJH Foundation raised $93,500 to purchase essential equipment for babies born at Vernon Jubilee Hospital.
The funds, raised during the Foundation’s six-week Spring Campaign, will be used to purchase two Panda Warmers. These machines provide immediate warmth to stabilize tiny newborn bodies while healthcare workers perform a vital initial assessment and monitor each baby’s health.
“We asked donors to help us give every baby born at our hospital the best possible start in life,” says Kate McBrearty, executive director of VJH Foundation. “And they answered. Because of their generosity new parents and families can rest a little easier knowing that they have access to high-quality healthcare right here at home.”
Vernon Jubilee is the third busiest hospital in Interior Health with almost 900 babies born here every year. One of those babies was Maeva, born last January to Danika Wells.
“I decided to share my story because you never know when this vital pediatric machine will save a life,” says Danika. “I certainly never expected both of my babies to need it, but I’m so grateful it was there because it meant they got the excellent care they needed at VJH.”
Maeva was born by C-section after another high-risk pregnancy. Her lungs were full of mucus: as she struggled to breathe Danika relived the exact same nightmare from two years earlier when Sullivan was born. Just like with Sullivan, Maeva was whisked across the room to a waiting Panda Warmer. After many tense minutes, Maeva was stabilized and three days later, Danika and her husband brought their beautiful baby girl home. Today, both Maeva and Sullivan are thriving.
Having essential labour and delivery equipment means newborns get the best possible care close to home.
“Community partners have always been at the heart of our spring appeal to support the Women’s and Children’s department at our hospital,” says Kate. “This year was no different: we were once again the grateful recipients of Tim Hortons Smile Cookies campaign, and The Ranch 105.7 held their annual Have a Heart Radiothon – for the 22nd year in a row!”
The annual radiothon, hosted by The Ranch 105.7, raised more than $8,951 and Tim Hortons’ Smile Cookies appeal raised $28,112. A $20,000 matching gift was also received from local company Grizzly Curb & Concrete, which helped to amplify the community’s impact.
“We’re truly thankful for our community’s commitment to our work. Together, we’re playing a crucial role in supporting excellence in healthcare for families throughout the North Okanagan,” says Kate.
VJH Foundation got a sweet start with 100% of all proceeds from local Tim’s Smile Cookies going towards their Spring Campaign. Over $28,000 was raised in one week.
Panda Warmers provide immediate warmth to stabilize tiny newborn bodies while healthcare workers perform an initial assessment and monitor each baby’s health.