Donated devices help kids isolated during COVID-19

(March 24, 2020) – Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba announced today the provision of 21 smart phones and 20 tablets for use by children currently staying in HSC Winnipeg Children’s Hospital. With the recent requirement to reduce visitors at the hospital to protect vulnerable patients and their health-care workers against the spread of COVID-19, the Foundation learned there was need for kids in hospital to be able to text and video conference their loved ones.

“It’s vital for the kids to stay safe while they receive great care at the hospital, but they also need the comfort of connecting to family and friends during that time,” says Stefano Grande, President & CEO of Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba.

“Our foundation team went to work fast, putting calls out on Friday to corporate donors to try make this happen. We’re so inspired by the quick responses from our community.”

The tablets will also allow kids to connect with family members who have had to self-isolate or quarantine, allowing children to be reassured that their family is doing well.

The devices were donated by a local corporate donor that wishes to remain anonymous. An additional $6,000, previously donated by Red River Co-op, has been designated for additional tablets needed.

Funding for other comfort care items like these tablets, along with continued funding of life-saving equipment and child health research will be greatly needed in the coming weeks.

“We recognize the whole community is trying to navigate through and manage the variety of challenges in our lives associated with COVID-19. We are so grateful to all who can continue to help the sick and injured children in hospital who still have surgeries and treatments to cope with while also being impacted by the effects of the pandemic,” says Grande.

To donate funds toward comfort care items and supportive programs to make a child’s stay in hospital a little easier, go to Goodbear.ca/ChildLifePrograms. To learn about the continued needs at Children’s Hospital visit Goodbear.ca/campaigns.

About Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba

The Children’s Hospital Foundation of Manitoba is dedicated to ensuring that every child treated at HSC Winnipeg Children’s Hospital receives the best medical care possible.
Since 1971, with incredible donor support, the Foundation has raised more than $100 million to improve the lives of sick and injured children from Manitoba, Northwestern Ontario, and Nunavut. Funding supports important programs that bring comfort to sick children during difficult times, the purchase of life-saving equipment, and the advancement of pediatric health research that will improve the lives of children everywhere. Learn more about the impact you make at goodbear.ca.

For more information, contact:
Kathryn McBurney
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Children’s Hospital Foundation
C: 204-803-8518
E: kmcburney@goodbear.ca