This week, Kingston General Hospital (KGH) Auxiliary presented Kingston Health and Sciences Centre (KHSC) with a donation of $314, 650, contributing to a number of equipment purchases and education for members of staff.
The donation will fund purchases of four NICU ventilators and 15 oncology treatments, with remaining funds helping to finance annual educational funding for KHSC staff through the Millennium Bursary Fund, as well as subsidizing departmental programs to support Elder Life and Critical Care.
Chelsea Reynolds, President of KGH Auxiliary, says the amount donated has reached back to pre-COVID levels after a few years of lower fundraising amounts due to restrictions on visitors within hospitals.
She says it really cut off almost all ability to fundraise, although staff members tried to continue to support efforts.
“We didn’t have visitors, even the KGH staff was limited,” Reynolds said.
“They couldn’t come and sit in the cafe because they couldn’t be near each other. So all of our staff in there did their best to try and meet the needs of what we had. But, yeah, we were definitely restricted for an extended period of time.”
Reynolds says that in previous years funds have been directed towards redevelopment projects, but with those on hold while awaiting provincial involvement, KGH Auxiliary decided to direct funds to areas where an immediate impact could be made.
“As a group, we decided we want to do something that we can see immediately,” Reynolds said.
“Rather than having it sit in a bank account and wait until we know what’s happening, whether it’s building onto this building or new sites or whatever it is that they turn out to do.”
The funds from KGH Auxiliary come largely from sales at the on-site locations of the Auxiliary Café, the Lottery Booth, the Tuck Shop and the Gift Shop, as well as programs like the Teddy Bear campaign where funds are always earmarked for pediatrics.
This past year, that campaign accounted for $28,000, and the KGH Auxiliary board decides where to direct the remaining funds, choosing to support efforts in pediatric care and oncology treatment.
In a release from KHSC, President and CEO Dr. David Pichora expressed thanks to KGH Auxiliary and said their efforts make a big difference.
“This year’s donation is making a meaningful difference across our hospital—supporting our pediatric, NICU and oncology programs,” said Pichora.
“Through their continued investment in the Millennium Bursary Fund, the Auxiliary is also empowering our staff to grow in their professions and continue delivering the highest standard of care”
The funds were presented at the KHSC 120th annual general assembly.
Over the course of those 120 years, the Auxiliary has contributed over $20 million from fundraising efforts.
