The Victoria Hospitals Foundation’s campaign “You Are Vital: Pediatrics”has hit a significant milestone, raising $1 million of their $1.8 million goal for 40 new monitors in the neonatal and pediatric intensive care units at the Victoria General Hospital (VGH).
With $800,000 left to raise, the Victoria Hospitals Foundation is seeking more community support. “Over the past two months, we have expressed the critical need for new patient monitors, and our community has responded,” said Avery Brohman, acting executive director.
RELATED: When hospital becomes home: Victoria seven-year-old has spent a third of her life in hospital
More than 1,000 individuals have supported the campaign through various methods, including rallying the community together for events such as Victoria Wing Fest, KidsRun and events put on by the Professional Firefighters of Greater Victoria. The CIBC Wood Gundy’s O’Brien Investment Group matched a $40,000 donation, raising $80,000 to fund two of the critically-needed patient monitors.
“Our supporters are vital, and their generosity is felt everywhere in this community,” Brohman said.
RELATED: WingFest raises $14,000 for Victoria Hospital Foundation
According to the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, one in eight children treated at VGH spends time in the pediatric intensive care unit every year, which provides intensive care for children up to the age of 17 with severe cardiac and respiratory complications, infections or those involved in tragic accidents. It is one of two such units in the province, taking in patients from the Island and all over the province. The needed monitors continuously monitor a patient’s vital signs such as heart rate, breathing and blood pressure.
The campaign launched on May 8 and aims to complete its goal by the end of August or earlier. Contributions can be made by donating online at victoriahf.ca/vitalkids or by calling 250-519-1750.
kendra.crighton@blackpress.caFollow us on Instagram
