Throughout the month of June, customers of Kelowna's Save-On-Foods store in the Mission will have the opportunity to donate More Rewards points (1,000 points = $1) to the KGH Foundations’ Giving Giggles campaign.
The store has further committed to matching donations dollar for dollar.
“We are thrilled to be working with the KGH Foundation again for this very important cause,” said Save-On-Foods assistant store manager Duncan Gardiner. “Supporting our hospital and especially the health, and hearts, of our babies truly benefits us all.”
The goal is to raise enough money to purchase a congenital heart screening monitor for infants born in the new and expanded perinatal unit.
Although congenital heart defects only affect a small percentage of newborns, this non-invasive screening technology will allow for early detection, critical to their treatment and care plan.
“It’s great to pool our efforts with our customers to support our local hospital,” said Save-On store front end supervisor Tamara Wheeler.
“It’s really heart-warming to know that all the money raised will go to help babies and their families that live right here in the Okanagan," added her co-worker Judy McMorran.
“Our partnerships with local businesses like Save On Foods Lakeshore are absolutely critical to the success of this campaign,” noted Chandel Christie, annual programs officer for the KGH Foundation. “We are very grateful for their support.”
Every year, more than 1,600 babies are born at KGH. The new perinatal unit opened its doors on the 4th floor of the Interior Heart and Surgical Centre in March of this year.
The KGH Foundations’ Giving Giggles campaign has committed to raising $3 million to fund the purchase of state-of-the-art medical equipment and patient comfort items, building world-class perinatal and neonatal care in the B.C. Interior region.