The Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation is helping “Share the Love” with sick kids this Valentine’s Day.
People have the opportunity to sign a Valentine’s Day card for a child in hospital. Saskatchewan Blue Cross is going to donate $10 for every card signed and sent, up to $10,000.
Vice-President of Communications, Lynn Redl-Huntington, says the initiative is aimed at putting a smile on the faces of sick kids.
“It’s just a really great way to make Valentine’s special for those kids who are in hospital, and aren’t able to participate in regular Valentine’s Day festivities” said Redl-Huntington.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on everyone, Redl-Huntington says it’s been especially tough on kids who are hospitalized.
“When you’re a child in hospital, it’s just so difficult. You don’t have the opportunity to be with your extended family and friends,” said Redl-Huntington. “So, our goal is always to make the hospital feel like a home away from home for kids. So, we like to do some of these special projects, so that kids can really feel that they have childhood.”
In addition to signing a card, people can also purchase a cookie decorating kit, a Valentine’s craft, or donate to the area of greatest need.
Redl-Huntington says last year’s event was a success and she’s excited to see what this year will bring.
“Every kid, every child in hospital, just had a whole pile of (cards), and it was just such a great, warm, fuzzy feeling. It was very, very meaningful,” said Redl-Huntington. “This is just such a really easy way for people right across the province to do it. It takes less than 5 minutes, and you’re done, and you’ve done a good deed for the day, that’s for sure.”
Anyone wishing to buy a card or donate to the hospital can do so on their website.