Family CARE Grants – Applications Open!

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Last year the Family CARE Grant program funded multiple grants at the Hospital including for piercing removal equipment for the Operating Room. Applications are now being accepted for this program to fund the ‘little things’ that can make a big difference to patient care. Please speak with a Hospital staff member to make a recommendation. More information and application forms can be found at healthsciencesfoundation.ca/familycare

By Heather Vita - September 20, 2017

Have you been to the Hospital lately? Have you thought of something that could have made your time here even better?  Sometimes it’s the ‘little things’ that can make a huge difference to your experience.

That’s where the Family CARE (Care Advancements Recommended by Employees) come in. Funded thanks to a partnership between the Volunteer Association to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation, this year, $60,000 is up for grabs to fund smaller items that can have a big impact.

While members of the public can’t directly apply, you can certainly make your ideas known to any staff member of the Hospital, who can submit an application before October 20.

More information, including application forms, is available about the Family CARE Grant program is available at: healthsciencesfoundation.ca/familycare

Donations are also gratefully accepted in support of this grant program. Please call 345-4673 or visit our website at healthsciencesfoundation.ca to make your gift.

Some examples of previous items funded include:

  • Blanket Warmers in various departments

  • an Armbicycle in Rehabilitation

  • a Wagon to bring children to surgery

  • Piercing Removal equipment for the Operating Room

  • Benches at the front entrance

  • Sleeper chairs for Paediatrics

  • Any many more!

Grants funded are up to a maximum of $4,000 and are reviewed by a committee who allocate funds to ensure as many grants can be funded as possible.

Barry Streib, Director, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation said, "It is remarkable. Each year this grant program receives more and more applications, which speaks to its success and impact. This past year, for instance, we had 83 grant applications, totaling $199,806.32. Our committee had to make tough decisions on where to allocate the fund."

Cathy Britt, Vice President, Volunteer Association to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre echoed Streib’s comments, "I would like to congratulate all applicants to the Family Care Grant program, regardless of their success.  We received many outstanding applications, and although it was difficult to choose between them, it is truly a pleasure knowing that the grants which were funded, will help to improve the patient experience.  I would like to thank the volunteers who contribute to our fund raising efforts in many ways, and staff and visitors to the hospital that support Seasons Gift Shop.  Your ongoing support will allow us to continue funding Family CARE Grants in the future; we couldn’t do it without all of you!"

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