supporter stories
The IWK Health Centre Foundation is united with its donors by a single, simple motto – with you, anything is possible. We believe in the power of our donors’ dedication to the IWK because we witness their commitment every day.
SUBWAY® Restaurants of Atlantic Canada
For the past three years, the IWK Foundation has been proud to call SUBWAY® Restaurants of Atlantic Canada a friend and partner.
As the world’s largest sandwich franchise, their restaurants are individually owned and are operated by independent franchisees who are committed to making a difference in their communities. That’s why in 2010, SUBWAY® held their inaugural Atlantic Subway Charity Golf Classic in support of the IWK. The event was an incredible success and raised an outstanding $10,000 to help improve the lives of the most critically-ill patients in the Maritimes. Last year, they not only surpassed their previous fundraising efforts but they doubled their contribution raising an outstanding $25,000.
This year, we are overjoyed to announce that SUBWAY® Restaurants is a new Children’s Miracle Network corporate partner. Starting April 1, 2013, SUBWAY® Restaurants will be selling the eye catching red and yellow paper balloons in support of the IWK. In addition, on April 18, 2013, they will be holding their first ever SUBWAY® Cares for Kids Day - a special day where a portion of proceeds will be donated to the local Children’s Miracle Network hospital. As a proud Children’s Miracle Network member hospital, we are delighted to partner with this dedicated supporter to help improve the lives of Maritime families who rely on the highly-specialized care of the IWK.
Thank you SUBWAY® Restaurants for your unwavering support.
Sony Canada Charitable Foundation
Being admitted to a hospital isn’t fun. Thanks to The Sony Canada Charitable Foundation’s commitment to the betterment of children, young patients at the IWK are able to experience a little entertainment during their visits. Last July, the IWK Child Life department received 15 portable Sony BluRay players from this generous donor and the impact was immediate.
“The kids are able to use the DVD players to watch movies and TV shows to help with distracting, coping and relaxation,” says Jane Marchildon, Child Lift Specialist on the Acute Inpatient Mental Health Unit at the IWK. “The DVD players are used every day. We want the kids to be able to be kids.”
The portable BluRay players are built with a screen that can swivel and move to accommodate positioning and specific needs for each patient. Because they are easy to clean, IWK staff don’t have to worry about the risk of contamination or infection between patient use.
In addition, the Sony Canada Charitable Foundation was proud to support another area of the Health Centre, The Clinical Investigation Unit, with six flat screen televisions. This area was recently renovated, and serves as the day treatment space specializing in diabetes, metabolic illness and the Endocrine system.
The period of time it takes to treat a patient is approximately six to eight hours. Suffice to say, having the opportunity to enjoy some entertainment while receiving care is a tremendous benefit to these patients and their families. With the addition of these televisions, budgeted funds for this unit were able to be redistributed to purchase 15 new chairs for the waiting room - adding to the comfort of IWK patients and their families.
Thank you Sony Canada Charitable Foundation for everything you do, and your support of the IWK.
Rooftight
Rooftight knows the value of a strong foundation - it provides the support needed to foster future success. Whether you’re building a new home for a growing family or providing the best health care possible, a strong foundation ensures that individuals in the future receive the same support as those today.
That is why Rooftight is a proud supporter of the IWK Health Centre Foundation. Last year, on top of their already extensive community engagement, they recognized the importance of having and a world-class facility right here in the Maritime region, and wanted to give back.
They jumped in with both feet as the presenting sponsor for the 2012 IWK Radiothon for Children on C100. The entire Rooftight team was hands-on and enthusiastic to volunteer during the entire event and could be seen throughout the day counting change, answering phones and visiting patients. Scott Smith, president of Rooftight, surprised everyone by personally matching all donations made during a certain time.
Soon after, Rooftight committed to sponsoring another match during the 28th Annual IWK Telethon for Children on CTV. For three minutes during the broadcast, Rooftight matched all donations up to $5,000.
Rooftight’s contributions have helped the IWK Health Centre build a strong foundation for world-class care by purchasing vital medical equipment, funding ground-breaking research and offering programs that bring comfort to families during difficult times.
With the support of donors like Rooftight, the IWK is able to provide highly-specialized care to thousands of critically-ill children, youth, women and families in the Maritimes and beyond.
The IWK is so fortunate to have the Rooftight team as a champion for our cause and we thank them for their support
TD Bank Group
TD Bank Group is a passionate, long-time supporter of Children’s Miracle Network hospitals and recognizes the importance of families accessing specialized health care locally. For the past 17 years, customers and employees continue to show their support by raising awareness and making contributions to local children’s hospitals like the IWK Health Centre. This commitment has a tremendous impact, not only across Canada but right here in the Maritimes.
Through a variety of fundraising initiatives, TD Bank Group has generously given more than $2.75 million cumulatively in the Maritime region to help improve the lives of the most critically-ill patients. Through a variety of grassroots fundraising campaigns held each June, TD Bank employees work together to get creative and have fun while raising money for those who need it most. Through its Automatic Monthly Donation Campaign, TD Bank Group matches each and every dollar raised up to $1million each year.
Thanks to their fundraising efforts, TD Bank reached a new giving milestone of $50 million in 2012 for Children’s Miracle Network member hospitals across North America. During the 28th Annual IWK Telethon on CTV, TD Bank Group proudly presented the IWK with a cheque for $304,946.63. But it didn’t stop there, during their Miracle Match they raised an additional $8,295.
The IWK Health Centre is extremely fortunate to benefit from this continued generosity and commitment. Thank you TD Bank Group for making the IWK better.
Credit Unions of Nova Scotia
In 2009, after 30 years of fundraising, the Credit Unions of Nova Scotia joined the IWK Health Centre Foundation’s Million Dollar Club, an achievement reserved for those who through their cumulative giving have raised a minimum of $1 million.
“Supporting the IWK is important to the staff of Credit Unions of Nova Scotia because the IWK Health Centre is a critical institution that serves the Maritimes,” says Ken Shea, CEO of East Coast Credit Union and IWK District 4 Fundraising Chair. “It is a place that changes lives and saves lives, by providing critical and specialized care to thousands of women, children, youth and families throughout the Maritimes.”
Credit Unions of Nova Scotia is continually working to make significant financial contributions to the IWK. Through an annual bowl-a-thons, jeans days, and other events throughout the year, Credit Unions of Nova Scotia was able to donate more than $17,000 during the 28th Annual IWK Telethon for Children on CTV.
In addition to this outstanding philanthropic work, this dedicated donor recently held a raffle for the chance to win two tickets to anywhere Air Canada flies in North America, Mexico and the Caribbean. The response was extraordinary. Selling 595 tickets, an additional $5,325 was raised for the IWK Health Centre Foundation.
Words cannot express the gratitude that we have for all of their hard work and dedication. Thanks a million Credit Unions of Nova Scotia!
RBC Royal Bank
The relationship between the IWK Health Centre Foundation and RBC Royal Bank is one that has been fashioned out of years of philanthropy and friendships.
For over 28 years, RBC has been a proud supporter of the IWK Health Centre and has been dedicated to improving the lives of the most critically-ill patients in the Maritimes. Through their dedicated fundraising efforts, they generously donated an outstanding $120,000 during the 28th Annual IWK Telethon for Children on CTV.
RBC truly believes that kids should feel healthy inside and out and illness is not always something that is manifested physically. That’s why they created the RBC Children’s Mental Health Project, which has provided more than $16 million to organizations dedicated to providing early intervention, increasing public awareness and reducing the stigma of mental illness.
On October 4, 2012, RBC donated $750,000 to the IWK Health Centre to fund the Suicidality Training on Prevention (STOP) Program and to support the redevelopment of the IWK’s Mental Health Inpatient Unit. Their generosity has touched a number of Maritime patients and families.
“During my fight with mental illness I did not live; it took all my strength just to breath, to survive,” says Jacob, a former IWK patient. “When I learned about RBC’s support for mental health treatment and services at the IWK, I cried. Usually my tears are from pain and sadness – but this news allowed me to feel hope for the first time in a long time.”
Thank you RBC for your support and dedication to making the IWK a better place. Because of you, IWK patients will be able to feel healthy physically as well as mentally.
Myron & berna Garron
On Friday, September 28, 2012, an Ontario family with a connection to the Maritimes has made a transformational gift of $10 million to the IWK Health Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The donation is believed to be the single largest private gift to health care in the Atlantic region. The gift was announced that morning by Anne McGuire, President and CEO of the IWK Health Centre. The donation supports the creation of a new acute mental health inpatient unit, a state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit and a new suite of women’s health care facilities at the IWK.
“The needs of a highly-specialized health centre like the IWK are always growing and the standards for caring are always improving. It is our goal to not only keep up, but to exceed expectations and continue to provide Maritime women, children and youth with the world class care they deserve. This donation makes this possible,” said McGuire.as announced this morning by Anne McGuire, President and CEO of the IWK Health Centre. The donation will support the creation of a new acute mental health inpatient unit, a state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit and a new suite of women’s health care facilities at the IWK.
“The IWK is recognized worldwide for its excellence in care for women and children,” said donors Myron and Berna Garron. “We are honoured to do our part to ensure the IWK continues to serve families for many years to come. We hope our contribution inspires others to support this special place in Atlantic Canada which is so critical to families.”
Originally from Westport, Nova Scotia, Myron Garron began a career with the Bank of Nova Scotia in 1952. He managed several bank branches, including one in Toronto, where he met his wife, Berna. Myron and Berna started a family, and Myron would later make a career change that led to a hugely successful automotive manufacturing business. The Garrons’ have made other significant gifts to pediatric health care across Canada.“The Garron Family has a strong tie to the Maritimes,” said Jennifer Gillivan, President and CEO of the IWK Health Centre Foundation. “This historic donation demonstrates the family’s deep commitment to our region’s most critically-ill children, youth and women. The Garrons represent the philanthropic spirit we depend on to ensure we are second-to-none in the world.”
RE/MAX
RE/MAX is dedicated to community involvement. For over 25 years, the charitable focus of RE/MAX has been to help strengthen the communities in which they operate. Philanthropy is evident at all levels of the RE/MAX organization, be it individual associates, offices, regions or RE/MAX International – they are working hard to improve their communities.
As the exclusive real estate sponsor of Children’s Miracle Network, RE/MAX has proudly raised more than $115 million through community, regional and international fundraisers for children. Thanks to their dedication, Children’s Miracle Network hospitals, like the IWK Health Centre, are able to provide specialized care for more than 2.6 million Canadian children each year.
RE/MAX’s enthusiastic and dedicated brokers, agents, and administrators are working hard to make a difference. These individuals have committed to give back to the community in which they live and work through RE/MAX’s Miracle Home project.
Founded in 1986, RE/MAX’s Miracle Home program encourages agents to donate a portion of their commission to a hospital affiliated with the Children’s Miracle Network in their area. These sales associates are inspiring. Last year the IWK received an outstanding $74,083 donation from RE/MAX during the IWK Telethon for Children on CTV.
In addition to the Miracle Home Program, agents, broker-owners, managers and support staff, fundraise year round through other events such as golf tournaments, casual dress days, silent auctions and raffle ticket sales.
Thank you RE/MAX for your ongoing commitment to improving our communities.
Learn more about the RE/MAX Miracle Home Program.
dairy queen Canada
Kids love ice cream and Dairy Queen loves kids. AsCanada’s number one choice for frozen treats, the decision to support children and their families was intuitive.
This support, bolstered by more than 600 restaurants coast to coast, 44 of which are in the Maritimes, has raised an astonishing $20 million nationwide since Dairy Queen Canada started supporting local children’s hospitals 18 years ago. Thanks to their remarkable fundraising efforts, and Miracle Treat Day, Dairy Queen Canada donated an outstanding $188,460 during this year’s Telethon for Children on CTV.
None of this success would be made possible without the unwavering support and commitment of DQ franchisees. Throughout the year, franchisees collect change, sell paper balloons and host events as a way of giving back to their communities. In addition, on one special day each summer, DQ hosts their signature Miracle Treat Day fundraiser. On this day, 100 per cent of proceeds from DQ Blizzards® are donated to Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. We’re thrilled to announce that this year marks the 10th anniversary of Miracle Treat Day.
Thank you Dairy Queen Canada for you ongoing support.
Learn more about Dairy Queen Canada or Miracle Treat Day.
Walmart Canada
Walmart Canada is no stranger to philanthropy. For the last eight years, Walmart has been an incredible supporter of the IWK Health Centre Foundation through a partnership with the Children’s Miracle Network. During this year’s 28th Annual IWK Telethon for Children on CTV, Walmart Canada raised an astonishing $570,713 through their live Miracle Match during the broadcast and through annual fundraising efforts, that include selling paper Children’s Miracle Network Balloons at store locations throughout the Maritimes.
Although Walmart Canada continuously fundraises all year, a special event also takes place each June in 12 Canadian cities. The Walmart Walk for Miracles is a pledge-based fundraiser where supporters can come together to celebrate their fundraising efforts, and enjoy a variety of family friendly activities. In support of the IWK Health Centre Foundation, the Maritime Walk is held at Shubie Park in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. This year’s celebration was a day to remember. Thanks to the combined efforts of more than 400 participants, Walmart Canada was able to raise an outstanding $14,673.95.
But their generosity doesn’t end there. For the eighth year in a row, Walmart Canada has proudly sponsored the Children’s Miracle Network’s Champions Across Canada program.
Champions Across Canada is a celebration of life, determination and bravery that brings awareness to the importance of pediatric health care in our country. Each year, a special patient from each Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals chosen to be an ambassador for their region’s children’s hospital. It’s an opportunity for that child to celebrate with their family and connect with other children who although may have different medical challenges, can relate to receiving specialized pediatric care.
Chosen Champion children have the opportunity to travel to Ottawa and meet with national leaders before being flown to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida for the annual Children’s Miracle Network Celebration, bringing together Champions from across North America. This magical celebration allows the Champion children to just be kids and they are honoured for their bravery and strength through a special Champion medal presentation.
Thank you Walmart Canada for your commitment to advancing excellence in pediatric health care.
Learn more about the Champions Across Canada program or the Walmart Walk for Miracles.