HSC Foundation gets a $500k shot in arm

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This article was published 16/11/2020 (1912 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Donations to the HSC Foundation will pack twice the punch, the foundation says, after an anonymous donor pledged to match up to $500,000 until the end of December.

“This is a continuing effort — when COVID became a reality for us in Manitoba, our foundation… felt it was important to take a leadership role in supporting frontline medical staff and the patients of HSC who rely on their care every day,” foundation president Jonathon Lyon said in an interview Sunday.

HSC Foundation launched a COVID-19 response fund for the first wave, which has remained active through the second surge of COVID cases this fall. Money donated to the COVID-19 fund supports both frontline healthcare workers and patients at the province’s largest hospital through equipment purchases, technology purchases, and support for other needs as they arise.

“We’re the connector between donors who want to help and the need that exists at HSC to support patients and frontline health care workers,” Lyon said. “Given the challenging times, we’re fortunate that there are so many in Manitoba who want to help.”

The HSC Foundation was approached by an anonymous donor willing to put $500,000 towards the cause, Lyon said, opening up an opportunity for the latest matching initiative.

“There’s an understanding… that government can’t do it all, government won’t do it all, they shouldn’t do it all,” Lyon said.

“We as citizens of the community can help out and should help out and where those who have capacity like this incredible donor does… they want to make it happen.”

Funds, at this point, will be used to purchase specific equipment including cannula machines, portable ventilators and monitoring technology to help staff stay safe caring for COVID patients. Funds will also be directed towards to help families stay connected to loved ones in hospital, turning on TVs and internet access at more than 500 beds. The foundation is able to stay nimble, however, and will direct money towards patient and healthcare worker’s needs.

“Ultimately everything we do supports patients, but in the context of this, there’s benefit for both frontline health workers and medical professionals and patients,” said Lyon.

“We can react quickly, we can move quickly, we’re nimble and we can pivot at a moment’s notice.”

The HSC Foundation purchased iPads for the hospital’s ICU in the spring, and will be purchasing a further 24 iPads for patients in surgery, emergency and women’s health departments with the new donations.

While the anonymous donor has pledged $500,000 in matching funds, Lyon said there’s no limit on how much the foundation hopes to raise.

“We’re hoping to earn the trust of donors and receive greater than $500,000 because there’s incredible need at Manitoba’s hospital to support the frontline workers and patients during this challenging time — we know Manitobans are generous and they’ll step up,” he said.

 

julia-simone.rutgers@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @jsrutgers