The East Kootenay Foundation for Health has launched a new fundraising campaign aimed at building a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital.
EKFH officials said the “A Warm Embrace – A Big Campaign for our Tiniest Patients” campaign was kicked off with a $10,000 donation from the Rotary Club of Cranbrook.
“This will be life-changing for so many families that no longer have to travel out of the region to receive care before and after the birth of their newborn babies,” said Heidi Romich, President of the Rotary Club of Cranbrook.
“My family personally experienced this as my daughter and son-in-law had to spend over a month in Calgary with the birth of my grandson. It added so much extra stress and expense at an already stressful time. Our Rotary Club members are so proud to support the EK Foundation for Health in raising funds for this much-needed addition to our EK Regional Hospital.”
The campaign aims to raise $1.8 million in a year for the NICU.
“The NICU has advanced technology and trained healthcare professionals to give special care for the tiniest patients at the hospital, something currently unavailable in the East Kootenay,” said EKFH officials.
“Newborns who are premature or who have health complications must be airlifted to Kelowna, Kamloops or Vancouver to receive the specialized life-saving care they need.”
If the funding is raised, the NICU will provide a specialized facility and healthcare professionals for infant care.
“The Province of BC and Kootenay East Regional Hospital District have also committed funds towards the $3.16 million project completion that will transform lives for the vulnerable infants, giving them and their families a brighter future,” said EKFH officials.
Two upcoming fundraiser events will help boost the ‘Warm Embrace” campaign: the Boston Pizza/Northstar Motors Annual Charity Golf Tournament and The Rockies Car Show.
You can donate to the campaign through the link below.
More: EKFH website