Together, we can bring essential neonatal equipment to VJH
Giraffes are essential neonatal equipment – state-of-the-art incubators that mimic the womb and support premature babies as they grow stronger.
Give our tiniest patients the best start possible, right here in our community
A few weeks ago, a pregnant mom rushed to VJH, nowhere near full term, and in active labour.
When her tiny baby was born, she was terrified. His lungs weren’t fully developed and he didn’t yet have the ability to feed. His delicate, almost-translucent skin couldn’t keep out the cold.
Without missing a beat, the medical team whisked him across the room to a waiting Giraffe, a state-of-the-art incubator that mimics the womb and helps premature babies grow stronger.
Giraffes are basically a neonatal trauma bay on wheels
For our tiniest, most critically ill patients, the Giraffe delivers immediate warmth to stabilize body temperature and provides all essential infant‑sized resuscitation tools.
It also acts as an isolation bay to protect against infection and manages light and noise exposure, both of which disrupt growth and development in preemies.
And that tiny baby boy? He was stabilized quickly in a Giraffe – the microenvironment allowed him to conserve every ounce of energy for developing and growing.
Help us bring a new Giraffe to VJH
Vernon Jubilee is the third-busiest hospital in Interior Health, with almost 800 babies born here last year, including 10 sets of twins.
Giraffes help provide early stability at a critical time to our most vulnerable babies.
Yet, our Women’s and Children’s department only has one.
With your support, we can purchase a second of these state-of-the-art incubators and ensure our medical teams have the essential equipment they need to care for our tiniest patients.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our friends at Grizzly Curb & Concrete, every dollar donated up to $20,000 will be matched! Give $50, $100, $500 or whatever you can give to help bring a new Giraffe to VJH.
Thank you to Grizzly Curb & Concrete, The Ranch 105.7 and Tim Hortons Smile Cookies for supporting our community fundraising.
