Former patient Mya and her parents Amy and Chris Healey helped launch this year's Teddy Bear campaign. Mya spent 22 days in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after she was born prematurely.
Former patient Mya and her parents Amy and Chris Healey helped launch this year's Teddy Bear campaign. Mya spent 22 days in KGH's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit after she was born prematurely.
Credit
Matthew Manor/KGH

It’s Teddy Bear time at Kingston General Hospital once again. This week, the KGH Auxiliary officially launched their annual fundraising campaign at an event in the Watkins lobby.

The goal is to help KGH purchase new specialized equipment for patients in our Pediatric program, while also providing them with a cuddly teddy bear. The proceeds this year will purchase a piece of equipment for our Diagnostic Imaging department. It’s called a Linear Array ultrasound probe and Interventional Radiologists will use it to insert lines and catheters into the nearly invisible veins of our tiniest babies.

“This specialized ultrasound probe will help us carry out many complex procedures that require both speed and precision,” says Dr. Alexandre Menard, Interventional Radiologist. “And just as importantly, it will help us improve the comfort and experience of the children and their families during a stressful time.”

Each bear will cost the usual $100 and the goal is to raise $20,000 by selling 200 of them by December 19. After a bear is purchased, it is hung on a festive tree in the Watkins lobby with the donors name attached to it. It will then be distributed to a small patient in need of a fuzzy friend.

“We are always thrilled by the generosity shown every year by people at KGH and in the community when they purchase a bear,” says Heather Breck, Auxiliary Teddy Bear Co-chair. “Not only does it help improve the care we are able to deliver at KGH, it also provides a measure of comfort to these children.”

The Kawartha Credit Union is once again supporting the campaign by donating $4,000 to pay for the bears and administrative costs.

Meanwhile, Camera Kingston is sponsoring the Auxiliary’s other holiday event, their ‘Santa Photos’. For $20, you get three 5x7 photos of Santa with your children, coworkers or even pets. This year, there is a photo shoot on Sunday, Nov. 30 from 1 to 5 p.m. and another on Tuesday, December 2 from 3 to 6 p.m. in the Watkins lobby. The proceeds will then be added to the Teddy Bear funds.

To purchase a bear, visit the Auxiliary section of the KGH website to download a form or drop by the Volunteer Services department on Connell 1. You can also pick up a donation form at your local Kingston Kawartha Credit Union branch.