Halifax, NS (March 25, 2019) – Today, the IWK Foundation recognized NSLC and its employees for cumulatively raising more than $3 million in support of the IWK. This incredible accomplishment was made possible by the participation of customers from across the province who have continued to generously support NSLC’s grassroots fundraising initiatives over the last 32 years.
“Our employees are passionate about the IWK. It’s been their charity of choice for more than three decades and they chose the IWK Health Centre because they care so deeply about our children and our families,” said Tim Pellerin, Senior VP & Chief Operating Officer, NSLC. “Their genuine concern and willingness to help others are characteristics that are deeply ingrained in our employees across the business. I am so proud of all the support they have given and continue to give with the support of our amazing customers.”
Today’s celebration also helped kick-off NSLC’s 2019 in-store fundraising campaign, which will take place April 29 – June 2. NSLC representatives will present the funds raised through this campaign during the 35th IWK Telethon for Children on CTV on June 1 & 2.
The NSLC remains committed to ensuring Maritime children and families have access to the best equipment, facilities, technology and research by supporting the urgent priorities of the IWK Health Centre. In the past this has included equipment like chest retractors used during open heart surgery, a perfusion cart that allows for a closed storage system inside the OR and pediatric beds used throughout the IWK’s inpatient units.
“The IWK would not have these pieces of equipment without community-focused organizations like NSLC who partner with us to raise funds year after year,” says Jennifer Gillivan, President & CEO, IWK Foundation. “This $3 million was raised a dollar at a time through the passion and dedication of NSLC staff and the generosity of its customers, who like us, believe our children and families deserve the best and nothing less.”
Melanie Strömberg from Fall River, NS, knows the essential role donors like NSLC play in a patient family’s experience at the IWK. Strömberg’s son, Gregor Gillis, has been an IWK patient since he was born unresponsive 10 years ago. Gregor has faced many health challenges throughout his life including being diagnosed with Down syndrome, a battle with leukemia, overcoming kidney failure and living with Juvenile diabetes.
“Our family understands just how lucky we are to have the IWK in our community,” says Strömberg. “Everything Gregor has overcome would not have been possible without the amazing care teams here, but also without the help from donors like NSLC who ensured that Gregor had access to the specialized equipment he needed.”
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About the IWK Foundation
The IWK Foundation is a champion of excellence in women's and children's health and medicine and works in partnership with the IWK Health Centre to support their vision of providing quality care to women, children, youth and families in the Maritime Provinces and beyond. Our donors are passionately committed to making a difference for Maritime families, contributing more than $15 million in support of the most urgent care priorities at the IWK last year. Funds raised also support the IWK's global leadership in research and knowledge sharing, which in turn improves lives worldwide. For more information, visit www.iwkfoundation.org.
About NSLC
The NSLC manages the safe and responsible sale of beverage alcohol and recreational cannabis in Nova Scotia, returning 100% of its profits to government to help fund key public services. As a true partner in our communities, the NSLC conducts its business with integrity and respect for the environment, while supporting the growth of local industry. For more information about the NSLC, please visit our website at www.myNSLC.com.
For more information, please contact:
Kelly Duggan
Communications Specialist
IWK Foundation
902-220-8029
kelly.duggan@iwk.nshealth.ca
Beverley Ware
NSLC Communications Advisor
NSLC
902-456-5040
beverley.ware@myNSLC.com