KGH Auxiliary launches 2017 Teddy Bear Campaign

The Kingston General Hospital Auxiliary, along with its financial partners Royal Canadian Legion Branch 560 and the Ladies Auxiliary to RCL Branch 560, has launched its 2017 Show Children You Care Teddy Bear Campaign to support the purchase of patient care equipment for the pediatric program at the Kingston General Hospital site of Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC).

The 2017 campaign runs November 13 to December 20 and aims to raise $20,000 through the sponsorship of 200 teddy bears.  You can sponsor a bear for a donation of $100, with proceeds supporting the purchase of an electrocardiogram machine to aid in the early detection of heart-related conditions in young patients and also syringe pumps to administer medication precisely.

“Every year the pediatric program benefits from the generosity of the KGH Auxiliary and their financial partners who provide frontline staff with the most up-to-date equipment at the bedside,” says Stacey Wolfrom, Program Operational Director, KHSC Women & Children’s Program.  

“We’re very grateful for their ongoing support in partnering with us to ensure the best care possible for our young patients.”

The campaign also helps to make a hospital stay or visit more comfortable for children, says Heather Breck, Chair of the Auxiliary Teddy Bear Campaign.

“By sponsoring a plush bear for $100, you both enhance patient care and ensure that children receive a fuzzy friend when they need one most,” she says.

Every sponsored bear receives a tag acknowledging its donor(s) and takes its place on the bough of the festive trees in the historic Watkins Lobby at KGH. Sponsors receive a charitable receipt upon request and a companion bear as a keepsake, which can be donated back to hospitalized children.

“At KHSC, we’re committed to ensuring our young patients and their families receive quality and family-centred care during their hospital stay,” says Dr. Bob Connelly, Head of Pediatrics at KHSC and Queen’s University. “With generous support from the community we’re able to achieve this goal.”

For many years the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 560 and the Ladies Auxiliary to RCL Branch 560 have supported the campaign. This year their financial support will cover the cost of the campaign including the purchase of the bears, ensuring that all donated funds go towards the fundraising goal.

To sponsor a bear, download a donation form here or drop by the Volunteer Office, Connell 1, KGH site.  For more information please call the KGH Auxiliary office at KGH ext. 6352.