The Kingston General Hospital (KGH) Auxiliary today launched the 2024 “Show Children You Care” Teddy Bear campaign to help purchase patient care equipment for the pediatric program at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC).

“Since 2004, the KGH Auxiliary Teddy Bear campaign has raised more than $500,000, which has enabled the purchase of a variety of specialized equipment for programs that serve our youngest patients and their families,” says Auxiliary President Heather Breck. “This year, in memory of Marion Swan, a nursing grad of the KGH Class of 1960 and long-standing member of the Teddy Bear Campaign committee, we are embarking on a multi-year commitment to purchase a point-of-care ultrasound machine for $55,000.”

Point of care ultrasound is important tool that can be used to deliver timely care for infants, toddlers, and children of all ages. It avoids the need for a patient to be transferred to a separate ultrasonography room because the portable ultrasound can be brought to wherever the patient is located.

At the end of the campaign, 300 teddy bears will be delivered to young patients receiving care in eight departments at KHSC and at Weeneebayko General Hospital in Moose Factory.

“We know how much children love to receive a fuzzy friend when we distribute sponsored bears at the end of the campaign,” says Breck. “Our sponsors are satisfied knowing they are making much-needed medical equipment available to children when they need it most. Sponsoring a teddy bear for $100 is an expression of caring from people in our community. Caring creates a work of heart!”

Donors have several options for donating:

Sponsors receive a charitable receipt upon request. Once again, this year the KGH Auxiliary is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 560 and their Ladies Auxiliary, as well as the entire community.