What's New

What’s New

FLORIDA-BOUND! OUR NEW CHAMPION PUTS US ON THE MAP

Blake Wheeler had the trip of a lifetime this spring, as he represented Saskatchewan at #ChildrensHospitalsWeek in Orlando. Blake, the 2019 Saskatchewan ambassador for the Children’s Miracle Network Champions Program, said his favorite part of the event was getting to know the other 22 Champion kids from across North America.

“Meeting the other Champions was awesome. It was nice to be around kids who have also been through tough medical journeys,” Blake said.

Johnny Spezanno, WBDR Radio Program Director & Morning Host with Blake Wheeler

Blake was awarded his Champion Medal and a character award with the word “Compassionate”. The 12-year-old also took part in the exciting Facebook Live-a-thon broadcasted from Walt Disney World to help raise funds for children’s hospitals.

The third annual #ChildrensHospitalsWeek took place from March 18 to 24. The week-long initiative is in collaboration with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, celebrating the importance of dedicated children’s hospitals and making sure kids get the best care possible when they need it most. Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation has been the sole Saskatchewan member of Children’s Miracle Network since 1993.

GREY CUP CHAMP TAKES ON NEW ROLE

After years of serving as Capital Campaign ambassadors for Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, Grey Cup Champion Mike McCullough and his wife Laura have stepped into a new role as Team Captains for the Sunshine Maker monthly giving program.

Mike McCullough

“Giving an automatic monthly donation is easy and meaningful to me and my family. Monthly gifts add up to make a big difference for kids’ health care each and every day,” said McCullough, who became a monthly donor in 2007.

The cause deeply resonates with the Regina family after they spent two years travelling to children’s hospitals across North America with their son Cole, who was diagnosed with a seizure disorder and Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Tragically, Cole passed away in his sleep after suffering a seizure in 2009. The family of six now advocates on Cole’s behalf for the best possible pediatric care in Saskatchewan in hopes of keeping other families closer to home when their child is sick.

CELEBRITY DINNER FOR A CAUSE

The Saskatoon Knights of Columbus #8215 are extending their support for the soon-to-open Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. The faithbased service group has pledged their support for the Family Comfort Room just outside the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). The only unit of its kind in Saskatchewan, the PICU will care for very sick and injured children who need highly specialized care and close monitoring. The Family Comfort Room will provide a quiet, comfortable place to get away from the stresses of hospital life.

“The Knights of Columbus Council #8215 have wanted to support Saskatchewan’s first children’s hospital since the project was announced,” said Garry Maier of the Saskatoon Knights. “It is truly a gratifying experience to lead a team of fundraisers that are eager to help sick children and their families. With their support, $70,000 was raised in 2018 bringing our five-year total to $325,000.”

The Council has previously funded a maternal patient room at the new children’s hospital. The group raises funds through its annual Knights of Columbus Celebrity Dinner, which has featured Pinball Clemons, Henry Burris and John Chick.

This year's dinner will take place November 2 and will feature Todd Burpo, bestselling author of "Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back."

For tickets, please contact Garry Maier at garrymaier@shaw.ca.

INAUGURAL GIFT LAUNCHES NEW EMPLOYEE GIVING PROGRAM

Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation’s new Employee Giving Program has just received the proceeds from its inaugural campaign. Eighty employees at Bioriginal Food and Science in Saskatoon pledged their support for children and families in hospital, raising $15,785 in 2018. The food and nutraceutical company is returning with a campaign again this year, providing a sign-up incentive for employees by offering a draw for an extra week of vacation.

Contact us for your workplace toolkit, videos and details on how to start your campaign today.

MILLSAP FAMILY MAKES SECOND GIFT TO HONOUR DAUGHTER’S MEMORY

A Saskatoon couple has doubled down on their support of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital, making a second gift to the “We Are Saskatchewan” capital campaign. The $200,000 donation will support two exam rooms within Pediatric Outpatients, which will provide comprehensive care for pediatric cardiology, cancer, speech and language, hearing and psychiatry appointments.

“When a family struggles with their child’s health, specialized care needs to be in close proximity,” said Gus and Marlene Millsap. “We are confident that this contribution will help the children in our community achieve a higher quality of life.”

The gift was made in memory of daughter Aleah. The Millsaps previously named two pediatric inpatient rooms in her honour with a $250,000 gift in 2017.

Gus and Marlene Millsap