The 10th annual ILWU 502 & Children’s Hospital fundraiser has started.  This year only online donations will be accepted by our fundraising effort.

BC Children’s has been designated one of the 19 primary COVID hospital care sites—which means that every child in our province who requires intensive care due to the virus will be treated here.   We are also treating children from other hospitals around the province, to free up space for COVID patients.

In response to your caring outreach, I wanted to share the specific challenges currently facing those who count on our hospital. Of course, the situation is changing every single day—and our greatest priority is to ensure that the hospital is prepared to respond immediately to the critical needs that arise.

Kids:

We all know that a hospital stay is difficult for a child. But now, it’s even more so. With physical distancing measures in place, kids are unable to see many of their loved ones when they need them the most. And when children are feeling more isolated than ever, playrooms have closed and child therapy experts are facing a shortage of bedside activities to comfort and engage them.

Patient families:

Families who have sick or injured children in our hospital are already going through the most challenging moments of their lives. At a time when the only thing they should have to think about is the health of their child, the pandemic has brought unthinkable stressors—from financial stress related to their jobs and homes, to simply getting a proper meal.

Health care providers:

Our health heroes—those working on the frontlines to provide the best care possible for our kids—are experiencing enormous obstacles. They are dealing with a shortage of equipment and other supplies to protect their health, as well as the health of the patients they care for. Their mental well-being is also impacted, as they work harder than ever to deliver care under these circumstances.

Regards,

Hermen Kailley
Secretary Treasurer
ILWU Local 502