The 18th annual campaign runs until December 23 with the aim of raising $25,000 through the sponsorship of 250 teddy bears at $100 per bear. Last year, the campaign raised just under $40,000, bringing its overall contribution over the past 17 years to almost $440,000.
This year, campaign funds will purchase a MediTherm Hyper/Hypothermia System, technology used to control body temperature in patients who are unable to stay warm in normal temperature ranges, have trouble controlling their own body temperature or need to be carefully warmed due to hypothermia.
Representatives from Royal Canadian Legion Branch 560 and their Ladies Auxiliary—longtime Teddy Bear supporters—kicked off the 2021 campaign today with a combined donation of $3,000.
With COVID-19 restrictions again suspending in-person campaign events, donors have several contact-free options for making a donation:
- Call the KGH Auxiliary office at 613-549-6666 extension 6352.
- Visit www.kingstonhsc.ca to obtain a sponsorship instructions and order form.
- Donate through Canada Helps at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/kingston-general-hospital-auxi…. Choose “Teddy Bear Campaign” under “Apply your donation to a fund set up by this charity."
Sponsors receive a charitable receipt upon request.
“We see how much children love to receive a fuzzy friend when we distribute the bears across pediatric units at the end of the campaign,” says Heather Breck, KGH Auxiliary President. “And our sponsors love knowing that they’re making much-needed medical equipment available to children when they need it most.”
“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.”
