Halifax, NS (November 17, 2025) – The region’s most anticipated fundraising event, the Kent Great Big Dig, came together in a big way for the IWK this past weekend to help advance orthopedic surgery at the IWK.
Funds raised will support the purchase of an O-Arm — a surgical imaging system that provides real-time images of a patient’s anatomy during surgery. Primarily used in spine, orthopedic, and trauma-related surgeries, it allows surgeons to visualize the surgical site in detail and make adjustments during the procedure. It also helps with the precise placement of surgical screws.
“An O-Arm allows surgeons to more efficiently place screws during spinal surgery with the utmost precision using a 3D image,” says Dr. Kevin Morash, Orthopedic Surgeon, IWK Health. “The role of community support, like the Great Big Dig, helps ensure that the equipment, technology, resources, and expertise at the IWK is at the international gold standard so that the children of our region can receive the same level of exceptional care, right here at home.”
The O-arm is the standard of care in safe pediatric spinal deformity surgery. Almost every pediatric hospital in Canada already has an O-Arm or similar imaging/navigation system.
“The power of community was on full display and the generosity, kindness, and greatness witnessed during the Great Big Dig was truly humbling,” says Jennifer Gillivan, President & CEO, IWK Foundation. “Our donor community is coming together in a big way to ensure that Maritime patients and families have access to the highest standard of care for orthopedic surgery. It is what they deserve.”
A special thank you to Victoria Stanhope, Great Big Dig’s outgoing Chair, and a warm welcome to Ed McNamara, who will be stepping into this role on the organizing committee. We are incredibly grateful for their outstanding show of support and the construction industry and beyond’s commitment to world-class care, close to home.
“2025 marks my third and final year of chairing the Steering Committee of The Kent Great Big Dig for the IWK, and I have to say, it is bittersweet for me! I’ve been part of “The Dig” for over a decade, and I have absolutely enjoyed every minute of it,” says event chair Victoria Stanhope of Stanhope Simpson Insurance. “Our steering committee members are absolute rockstars, and the amazing support from our sponsors year over year is truly incredible!
It has been a pleasure, a privilege and an honour to have served as Chair of The Great Big Dig and I am so very proud of the tremendous impact we have made at the very special IWK over the years – and I can’t wait to see how the event will continue to evolve for many years to come.”
Once again, the Kent Great Big Dig for the IWK demonstrated the generosity of the Atlantic Canadian construction industry and beyond by raising funds for the IWK during an unforgettable evening of food, entertainment, spectacular auction items and prizes. In addition to title sponsor Kent, the Great Big Dig was supported by a multitude of organizations, including media sponsor CTV Atlantic. For a full list of event sponsors, please visit www.greatbigdig.ca/sponsors.
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About the IWK Foundation
The IWK Foundation is a champion of excellence in women and children’s healthcare and research, and mental health and addictions for children and youth. The IWK Foundation is the primary fundraising organization for IWK Health, working in partnership with IWK Health and others to support the vision of providing quality care to women, children, youth and families in our community. The IWK Foundation is a national co-owner and partner of Canada’s Children’s Hospital Foundations and a member of the national Women’s Health Collective Canada. Visit www.iwkfoundation.org for more information.
Media Contact:
Lesley Gaum
IWK Foundation
P: 902.489.2867
E: lesley.gaum@iwkfoundation.org