It’s a tradition that even a pandemic cannot stop. On November 2, the Kingston General Hospital (KGH) Auxiliary launched its 2020 Teddy Bear Campaign to help purchase patient care equipment for the pediatric program at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC).
“Even with COVID-19 challenges, we’re ready to roll out this annual tradition,” says Heather Breck, KGH Auxiliary President. “We know how much children love to receive a fuzzy friend when we distribute sponsored bears at the end of the campaign. And our sponsors have the satisfaction of knowing they’re making the best medical equipment available to children when they need it most.”
The 17th annual campaign runs November 2 to December 23 and aims to raise $25,000 through the sponsorship of 250 teddy bears, each sponsored for a donation of $100. Over the past 16 campaigns the KGH Auxiliary has raised just over $400,000.
This year, Campaign contributions will purchase four portable pediatric hospital cribs for Kidd 10 at the KGH site of KHSC. The beds will ensure children receive safe, comfortable care even when they are transported to other areas of the hospital such as surgery or imaging.
Contact-less options for sponsoring a bear this year
While COVID-19 restrictions have suspended in-person campaign events this year, donors have several contact-free options for making a donation:
- Phone: Call the KGH Auxiliary office at 613-549-6666 extension 6352.
- Mail: Complete and mail in the sponsorship form in our 2020 Teddy Bear Campaign brochure.
- Online: Donate through Canada Helps at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/kingston-general-hospital-auxiliary/. Choose “Teddy Bear Campaign” under “Apply your donation to a fund set up by this charity."
Sponsors receive a charitable receipt upon request. Once again this year the KGH Auxiliary is grateful for the support of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 560 and their Ladies Auxiliary.
“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.”
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