Generosity shines through
Maritimers pledge record $6.4 million for IWK in annual telethon on weekend
Although it may be in another province, there’s little doubt that Islanders see the IWK as “their hospital.”
Support for the IWK Health Centre in Halifax from Islanders, and those across the Maritimes, shone through in a big way this weekend with a recordbreaking $6,462,352.04 pledged during the 33rd annual IWK Telethon for Children on CTV.
The show was broadcast live from Halifax, with remote locations in Sydney, Saint John and Charlottetown.
Adam Ramsay, relationship manager for the IWK on P.E.I., said the Charlottetown site saw an amazing weekend with many families sharing their positive stories and experiences of receiving care from the hospital.
“(You also) get to see firsthand the enjoyment they all then get out of supporting the hospital themselves and returning the kindness, it’s amazing,” said Ramsay, adding that it’s clear Islanders step up to “take ownership” in the hospital.
“The IWK is very much our hospital as Islanders… it’s just incredible, Islanders never cease to amaze us when it comes to their giving. The charm of this Island has shone through again.”
Jennifer Gillivan, president and CEO of the IWK Foundation, said she was overwhelmed with the support.
Although the breakdown figures by province were not available at the time of publication, Gillivan said the generosity from Islanders is second to none.
“And we’re always grateful for that,” said Gillivan, who also thanked all donors, volunteers and the telethon’s broadcast partner CTV.
“We couldn’t do what we do what we do here at the IWK without their support…. they’re creating an impact and legacy for years to come.
“I think Maritimers are the most generous donors on the planet.”
The IWK Telethon is the centre’s largest annual fundraiser and supports its most urgent priority needs, with many donations from this year going towards trauma stretchers, carts and other critical care equipment.
“(Critical care) is talking about seconds, not minutes. So
you really want to have the best of the best for the staff here,” said Gillivan.
“That’s why Maritimers step up every year and dig deep. Because they know the community has built the IWK, the community owns the IWK and they want their children to have the best.”
This year will also see new recliner chairs for the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).
The foundation said families are an integral part of the care team in PICU and stressed the importance of making them comfortable during the long and often stressful hours spent supporting an ill child.