The Kingston General Hospital (KGH) Auxiliary has announced it is donating $392,776 to Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC), supporting the purchase of critical equipment for patient care.

The donation was made at the Auxiliary's annual general meeting and will primarily fund ventilators for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). It will also support the purchase of a point-of-care ultrasound machine for the pediatric program.

"On behalf of everyone at KHSC, I want to thank the KGH Auxiliary for its continued generosity and commitment to patient care," said Dr. David Pichora, President and CEO of KHSC. "This funding will help ensure our care teams have access to equipment that supports some of our youngest and most vulnerable patients."

The donation was made possible through funds generated by the Auxiliary Café, Tuck Shop, Gift Shop and Lottery Booth, which are all located at the KGH site, as well as fundraising initiatives including the Christmas Bazaar and annual holiday Teddy Bear Campaign. Community donations also contribute to the Auxiliary's fundraising efforts.

"We are proud to provide this support to KHSC and the patients and families it serves," said Chelsea Reynolds, Chair of the KGH Auxiliary. "This year's donation is once again approaching the levels we were able to donate before the pandemic."

Each year the Auxiliary identifies the equipment it purchases in collaboration with KHSC teams based on patient needs across the organization. Reynolds said community support remains essential to the Auxiliary's success.

"Whether someone volunteers, makes a donation, shops at the Christmas Bazaar or visits one of our retail locations, they are helping support patient care close to home," she said. "The funds we raise stay in our hospital and our community."

She also thanked the Auxiliary's volunteers, members, and staff for their ongoing commitment.

"These contributions would not be possible without the dedication of our volunteers and staff," said Reynolds. "Their hard work makes a meaningful difference for patients and families every day."

For more than 120 years, the KGH Auxiliary has supported patient care, equipment purchases, and hospital initiatives through fundraising and volunteer service.