QEH Foundation’s Big Day of Giving Supported by Islanders Tip to Tip
MAY 25, 2023
CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – May 24 is the second annual QEH Big Day of Giving – a day for us to come together and have a BIG impact on the health care of those we love. The QEH Foundation’s Board Chair, John Gaudet, says last year’s inaugural event was an outstanding success and he hopes this year will be just as impactful for the hospital.
“A gift to the QEH Foundation is a gift to all Islanders,” says Gaudet. “We all hope we’ll never need the hospital but if we do, or a loved one does, it is comforting to know that the best possible medical equipment is in place for our dedicated health care teams. That is the power of giving.”
The QEH Foundation strives to ensure medical equipment is never a barrier to quality care at the QEH. Through an outpouring of kindness from people across PEI, and beyond, the Foundation fulfills millions of dollars in equipment and technology needs each year. With a priority list so long, every dollar counts.
“Queen Elizabeth Hospital is the province’s main referral centre’” says Gaudet. “There are specialized services to care for patients from East Point to North Cape and everywhere in between. During our Big Day of Giving we’ll share patient stories that show just how lives are changed through health care at our Island’s largest hospital.”
CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation’s Big Day of Giving was an outstanding success, raising $861,061 and counting. The second annual fundraising day took place on Wednesday, May 24th, and donors responded in a BIG way!
Donations to the QEH Foundation directly support the purchase of priority medical equipment for many provincial services located at the Island’s largest hospital. The QEH is home to PEI’s Cancer Treatment Centre, the Provincial NICU, and soon, our Island’s new Mental Health & Addictions Emergency Department and Short Stay Unit. This year funds will also support the hospital’s Diagnostic Imaging Department, as there is a need for three new X-ray machines.
“Our Big Day is a celebration of the incredible things that happen at the QEH every day,” says Foundation Board Chair John Gaudet. “Specialized health care teams at PEI’s largest hospital care for Islanders from East Point to North Cape and everywhere in between. That was certainly reflected in the donations we received from grateful donors across the province and beyond.”
Official media partners, Ocean 100 and HOT 105.5, broadcasted live from the QEH from early morning until the evening and Big Day ambassadors travelled the Island and collected donations in eastern, western, and central PEI. Heartfelt grateful patient stories were shared on air, online, and in ads with print media partner, The Guardian. Many community groups and individuals stopped by the QEH, called, or made donations online.
It’s not too late to add your support to the QEH Big Day of Giving. Please call the QEH Foundation at 902-894-2425 or online at www.QEHBigDay.ca.
For more information:
Kathleen Murphy
Director, Communications
QEH Foundation
902-894-2956
kxmurphy@ihis.org
QEH Big Day of Giving Supports Health Care for Islanders Tip to Tip
MAY 17, 2023
CHARLOTTETOWN, PE – May 24 is the second annual QEH Big Day of Giving – a day for us to come together and have a BIG impact on the health care of those we love. The QEH Foundation’s Board Chair, John Gaudet, says last year’s inaugural event was an outstanding success and he hopes this year will be just as impactful for the hospital.
“A gift to the QEH Foundation is a gift to all Islanders,” says Gaudet. “We all hope we’ll never need the hospital but if we do, or a loved one does, it is comforting to know that the best possible medical equipment is in place for our dedicated health care teams. That is the power of giving.”
The QEH Foundation strives to ensure medical equipment is never a barrier to quality care at the QEH. Through an outpouring of kindness from people across PEI, and beyond, the Foundation fulfills millions of dollars in equipment and technology needs each year. With a priority list so long, every dollar counts.
“Queen Elizabeth Hospital is the province’s main referral centre’” says Gaudet. “There are specialized services to care for patients from East Point to North Cape and everywhere in between. During our Big Day of Giving we’ll share patient stories that show just how lives are changed through health care at our Island’s largest hospital.”
A series of videos released for the Big Day of Giving will introduce many grateful Islanders who have been touched by care at QEH. Among them is Paul Higginbotham, a QEH ICU registered nurse of 28 years whose newborn granddaughter, Maren, was transported by LifeFlight helicopter from the Prince County Hospital to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital late last year after experiencing respiratory distress at birth. “
I knew that if Maren could just get to the QEH NICU she’d be okay,” says Higginbotham. “Dr. Brown [Neonatologist at QEH] was on the phone with the PCH health care team throughout the night until the helicopter arrived. With a highly specialized team and the right medical equipment, Maren and her family could remain on PEI for her care.”
Ocean 100 and HOT 105.5 will broadcast live from the QEH from 6 AM to 6 PM on May 24th sharing interviews with QEH staff, donors, and patients as well as providing updates on generous donations toward the Big Day of Giving. Big Day ambassadors, including long-time telethon host Marlene MacDonald, will be travelling the Island to collect donations and Foundation staff and volunteers will be prepared to accept phone calls, online gifts, and mail leading up to the day.
Donations made toward the QEH Big Day of Giving will support several provincial specialty areas of the hospital including the Provincial NICU, the PEI Cancer Treatment Centre, and the Provincial Mental Health & Addictions Emergency Room and Short Stay Unit.
Provincial Credit Union kicked off the Big Day of Giving with a donation of $25,000 to purchase five new infant feeding pumps for the Provincial NICU.
To learn more and to donate to the QEH Big Day of Giving visit www.QEHBigDay.ca, call toll free 1-833- 335-0545, visit the QEH Foundation office, or mail your cheque to QEH Foundation, PO Box 6600, Charlottetown PE C1A 8T5.
Wo He Lo Holds Successful Mother’s Day Online Auction
APRIL 24, 2023
Wo He Lo members are thrilled with the success of their new initiative, a Mother’s Day auction, that wrapped up on April 24th. This event is the latest in many fundraising initiatives that Wo He Lo members have organized over the past 90 years, all in support of the Island’s most fragile babies in the Provincial NICU at QEH.
Wo He Lo president Theresa Corcoran says they are delighted with the results of this first-time event.
“Thanks to everyone who kindly donated their wonderful items and to all who placed bids or made a donation, we raised $46,797,” says Corcoran. “We are thrilled to have accomplished our commitment to fund the infant simulator and purchase the OmniBed shuttle. We’d like to give a special thanks to our 50/50 winner Margaret Giddings from Charlottetown who won $1,797 and caringly donated it back to Wo He Lo to help the Provincial NICU.”
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About Wo-He-Lo:
Wo He Lo will be celebrating its 90th anniversary this year and is devoted to their motto of work, help and love. The club’s goal is to raise funds to purchase priority medical equipment to care for infants at the QEH, and to date, has raised over $1 million for the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
Helen Chapman
Director, Donor Relations
902-894-2432
hpchapman@ihis.org
Tulips Sale Supports New Mental Health and Addictions Ignition Fund at the QEH
FEBRUARY 6, 2023
CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Colourful locally-grown tulip bouquets are a beautiful way to make a difference for PEI health care. Islanders are once again invited to brighten their home, home office, or workplace with vibrant tulips from Vanco Farms through the QEH Foundation’s annual tulips sale. This year’s cheerful fundraiser provides a welcome sign of spring while raising important funds to support the Foundation’s new Mental Health and Addictions Ignition Fund at the QEH.
Businesses and individuals can pre-order their bouquets no later than Friday, February 24 by visiting www.qehfoundation.pe.ca/tulips, calling the QEH Foundation office at 902-894-2425, or by emailing info@qehfoundation.pe.ca.
Bouquets sell for $10 with 10 stems each, and a minimum order of five bouquets.
Contactless pickup is available for pre-ordered tulips on Thursday, March 2 at either the Parkdale Sherwood Lions Bingo Hall (adjacent to Value Village) in Charlottetown from 7:30am – 2:00pm OR the Eastern PEI Chamber of Commerce in Montague from 8:00am – 12:00pm.
For more information, please contact:
MaryEllen Hughes
Director, Philanthropy
902-894-0119
mthughes@gmail.com
Medavie kickstarts Mental Health & Addictions Ignition Fund with $100,000 donation
JANUARY 25, 2023
The QEH Foundation launched a Mental Health & Addictions Ignition fund on January 24, 2023, that was kickstarted with a generous donation of $100,000 from Medavie. Donations to this fund will support mental health equipment needs for upcoming expansions including the QEH mental health and addictions emergency department and short stay unit currently under construction. Pictured by the new build are QEH Foundation Board Chair John Gaudet, left, and Medavie Health Services Vice President, Operations, Matthew Crossman.
On January 24th the QEH Foundation established the Mental Health & Addictions Ignition Fund. This new initiative will support medical equipment needs for upcoming expansions to the mental health services at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. In a tremendous show of support, Medavie, through the Medavie Foundation, has kickstarted the fund with a gift of $100,000.
The first of its kind for the charity, this ignition fund will expedite the equipment-funding process by raising funds in advance that can be committed immediately when needs arise.
The PEI government is currently constructing and staffing a mental health & addictions emergency department and short stay unit, which will be co-located with at QEH emergency department. Slated for completion in November 2023, there are approximately $300,000 in technology and equipment needs. Future plans include upgrades to tele-psychiatry equipment and the development of a mental health and addictions child and youth acute care unit.
Matthew Crossman, Vice President, Operations at Medavie Health Services says Medavie is proud to support medical equipment needs for these transformational health care initiatives.
“At Medavie, we are committed to the communities we serve and are proud to invest, through our Foundation, in solutions that help to address some of Canada’s most pressing health care challenges – including mental health and addictions,” shared Matthew Crossman. “We know that now, more than ever, we need to find ways to increase access to mental health and addictions supports to ensure Islanders can receive high quality care when and where they need it.”
John Gaudet, QEH Foundation Board Chair, says the Medavie Foundation’s gift is a message of support to the Island community.
“We’re grateful that Medavie, through its Foundation, has chosen to invest in mental health care for Islanders,” says Gaudet. “We thank them for placing this trust in our new initiative and leading the way for this fund to grow with support from other like-minded and generous donors.”
The equipment list for the new mental health services at QEH includes tele-psychiatry units, blanket warmers, automated cabinets for medication tracking, and specialized furniture to comfort patients in distress.
QEH Foundation Launches First-Of-Its-Kind Fund for Mental Health & Addictions Care
JANUARY 24, 2023
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation is proud to officially launch the Mental Health and Addictions Ignition Fund, dedicated to mental health and addictions care at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
This fund will support several services as outlined by the Government of PEI, including medical equipment and technology for the new QEH Mental Health & Addictions Emergency Department and Short Stay Unit (MHA ED/SSU), currently under construction and slated for completion in November. The new ignition fund will also support future initiatives including a Child & Youth Acute Mental Health & Addictions Unit. As the first-of-its-kind for the Foundation, this fund will expedite the equipment-funding process by pooling donations in advance.
John Gaudet, QEH Foundation Chair, addressed donors and QEH staff at an announcement event on January 24th.
“This ignition fund is a powerful force of donor dollars,” says Gaudet. “It will allow the QEH Foundation to fund equipment and technology for mental health and addictions care. By raising funds in advance, we’ll be able to commit to fund equipment as soon as it is identified and presented to us, and without delay – both for upcoming projects or unexpected urgent needs.”
Dr. Charles Duffy, QEH Medical Director, shared updates on the new MHA ED/SSU and the impact donors will have on the health care of Islanders.
“We know in Canada approximately ten percent of emergency department visits are primarily for a mental health reason. The number is much higher when you add on those with a mental health diagnosis who also have medical needs.” says Dr. Duffy. “The location of the short stay and assessment unit adjacent to the emergency department will allow collaboration between the current emergency department physicians and staff, and the mental health physicians and staff, to address both medical and mental health needs in a seamless fashion. This will be provided in a comfortable and compassionate environment. This will hopefully remove some of the barriers of patients seeking mental health services.”
Medical equipment needs for the MHA ED/SSU currently include medication dispensing cabinets, behavioural recliners to comfort patients in distress, beds, blanket warmers to assist in recovery, tele-psychiatry technology, and more.
“The QEH Foundation’s tagline is Care Today For Tomorrow,” says Tracey Comeau, QEH Foundation CEO. “That is what this Ignition Fund will do for mental health and addictions care initiatives here at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Together, we can fulfill the immediate needs for the new emergency department and be ready as enhancements are identified, and new mental health and addictions services are added.”
The Mental Health & Addictions Ignition Fund was kickstarted with a $100,000 donation from Medavie, through the Medavie Foundation. The fund will also grow with a generous bequest from the late Betty Large, retired RN and the endowment fund of Noreen Corrigan and Family, several of whom were present at the announcement to share their grateful patient experience.
If you are interested in donating and learning more about the QEH Foundation’s Mental Health & Addictions Ignition Fund, visit the QEH Foundation’s website, visit the office in the main lobby of the QEH, or call 902-894-2425.
For more information:
Kathleen Murphy
Director, Communications
QEH Foundation
kxmurphy@ihis.org
902-894-295
QEH Digital Mammography Machine Funded with $600,000 Gift from Master Packaging
JANUARY 19, 2023
Staff of the QEH Diagnostic Imaging Department are praising the leading-edge advancements of two digital mammography machines that were funded last year. The QEH Foundation is proud to announce that in an act of incredible generosity, Master Packaging committed $600,000 to fund one of the machines in its entirety. What’s more, the new machine replaced an older model that Master Packaging funded in 2008.
“At Master Packaging, our team shares a commitment and a passion to giving back to the communities where we live and work,” said Mary-Jean Irving, CEO of Master Packaging. “As a breast cancer survivor, I want to ensure the women of Prince Edward Island have access to the best breast care possible. The new digital technology will assist with early and easier detection of breast cancer. The Master Packaging team is honoured to assist our community with this new donation.”
Prior to 2008, QEH mammography machines used film. Advancing to digital mammography allowed for quicker diagnoses, as images no longer had to be developed. The machines funded in 2022 bring many additional benefits, including a reduced need for invasive biopsies, the ability for radiologists to more easily see breast cancers, and less radiation delivered to the breast.
“I was here when we upgraded machines in 2008, and once more in 2022,” says QEH radiologist Dr. Kim Hender. “I’ve seen first-hand the impact of donor support – and we’ve saved lives because of it. We couldn’t do what we do without donations and I want to thank everyone who has invested in Island health care by supporting our department.”
Patsy MacLean, QEH Foundation past-chair, expressed her appreciation to Master Packaging for their generous support of the mammography equipment through QEH Foundation’s Friends for Life Campaign.
“On behalf of the QEH Foundation I extend my sincere thanks to Ms. Irving and all employees of Master Packaging for their continuing support of mammography in PEI,” says MacLean. “With more than 8,500 screening and diagnostic mammograms performed each year at the QEH, it is easy to see just how many lives will be touched by this new equipment.”
QEH Foundation Launches Campaign to Fund Equipment Needed for Emergency Care
NOVEMBER 24, 2022
The QEH Foundation launches its 2022-23 Annual Friends for Life campaign today to support the QEH Emergency Department. More than $1 million in priority medical equipment is needed for emergency care at the Island’s main referral hospital.
“Islanders are still feeling the compounding effects of the global pandemic and the destructive hurricane that hit our province,” says QEH emergency physician Dr. Trevor Jain. “It is during these trying times that we are reminded of the crucial role that the Queen Elizabeth Hospital plays in emergency preparedness and response for PEI.”
Part of this preparedness is having the right medical equipment in place for the health care team, something that Dr. Jain says is important in reducing the extra cognitive load on care providers.
“When we’re in an intense situation, we know we’re not working with second-class gear,” says Dr. Jain. “We’re working with first-class, top-tier gear and we don’t have to troubleshoot. This makes our job so much easier and the patient directly benefits.”
Staff of the QEH have identified equipment needs in the emergency department as well as the intensive care unit and provincial laboratory at QEH. Among those needs are a brain monitoring system, a hematology analysis system, and additional portable ultrasound machines.
Chair of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Foundation John Gaudet says many Islanders, Islanders living away, and seasonal residents give an annual donation to the QEH at this time of year.
“We are pleased to have the familiar face of Dr. Trevor Jain lending support to this year’s campaign,” says Gaudet. “During the past few years, Islanders recognize his dedication to keeping us safe and we know how important emergency care is to our Island. We hope our community will continue to make QEH a priority for their giving this year.”
Gaudet adds the QEH Emergency Department is a gateway to our hospital, with an average 115 patient visits per day and approximately 42,000 patient visits per year in the department.
“I was about to return to Ontario after a wonderful summer in Stanhope when Hurricane Fiona hit,” says Allan. “I recently sold a small cottage and from that had assets with capital gains. I decided to transfer shares as a tax-efficient way to help the QEH Emergency Department and the Provincial Laboratory. These are both areas that come into play in the care of seasonal residents, and all Islanders.”
The majority of medical equipment needs at the QEH are funded by donations. To donate to the QEH Foundation’s Friends for Life Campaign, please call the Foundation office at 902-894-2425, go online to www.qehfoundation.pe.ca or mail a cheque to the QEH Foundation, PO Box 6600, Charlottetown, PE C1A 8T5. Donors from USA can donate online as well to US Friends of Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
For more information:
Kathleen Murphy
Director, Communications
QEH Foundation
kxmurphy@ihis.org
902-894-2956
QEH Foundation Yuletide Gala Auction raises $367,048
NOVEMBER 19, 2022
The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) Foundation held its annual Yuletide Gala Auction event at the Delta Prince Edward for the first in-person gala in two years, raising $367,048 to fund priority medical equipment for the provincial laboratory at QEH.
QEH Foundation Board of Directors expresses their heartfelt thanks to Presenting Sponsor, CN, and Diamond Sponsor, Cavendish Farms, for supporting this important fundraising event for the Island’s main referral hospital.
John Gaudet, QEH Foundation Chair, says hosting the event meant a great deal to the over 250 guests who purchased tickets, as they could not get together the past two years because of the global pandemic.
“We are excited to see everyone in person again and thank all who attended,” says Gaudet. “We also acknowledge the remarkable generosity of all sponsors, friends of the gala, prize donors and volunteers. We are pleased about this evening’s success as it has helped supply a large portion of the funding for a new Hematology Analysis System.”
Shane Buchanan, QEH Laboratory Manager, says the present system is ten years old and the new Hematology Analysis System will replace an older model that is past its life expectancy.
“This system is the work-horse of the department and seventy percent of all diagnoses that come from a physician comes from a lab test done in this laboratory.”
— Shane Buchanan
“The new system will be fully automated and bring new digital technology to our microscopic work, providing improvements in both the quality and efficiency,” Buchanan says.
CBC’s Matt Rainnie was master of ceremonies for the evening and guest auctioneer was Kevin ‘Boomer’ Gallant. Guests enjoyed live entertainment from the Love Junkies, who helped complete the evening on a festive note.
The QEH Foundation gratefully acknowledges the heartfelt community effort that went into making this memorable evening a success.
For more information:
Kathleen Murphy
QEH Foundation
Director, Communications
902-894-2956
kxmurphy@ihis.org
QEH Foundation’s Annual Yuletide Gala Returns
November 7, 2022
The QEH Foundation is thrilled to announce the return of its Yuletide Gala Auction, with presenting sponsor CN. After two years of virtual celebrations, the event will return to the Delta Prince Edward on Saturday, November 19th for an inspiring evening in support of priority medical equipment needs at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
QEH Foundation Chair John Gaudet says this annual event is important for QEH, the Island’s main referral hospital.
“This gala has always been more than a festive night out,” says Gaudet. “It’s the event that makes a difference in health care for all Islanders. This year, funds raised will support the critical work of the Provincial Laboratory at the QEH.”
The Provincial Laboratory needs a new Hematology Analysis System, which is the workhorse of the department. This system is involved in analyzing most bloodwork and in the diagnosis of a wide variety of illnesses like leukemia, infections, anemias, and lymphomas. Funds raised at the Gala will contribute to the cost of the equipment, which is approximately $500,000.
A highlight of the in-person event has always been the spirited bidding in the live auction. In addition to beautiful prize packages, Gala attendees bid to purchase medical equipment pieces for the QEH. This year the auction will feature equipment for nursing education, including and airway management training equipment.
“We want to express our heartfelt thanks to Presenting Sponsor, CN, and Diamond Sponsor, Cavendish Farms and all sponsors for their continuing support,” says Gaudet. “Over the years this event has raised funds for equipment in almost every department of the QEH, and that wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of all sponsors, donors, ticketholders, and volunteers.”
The Yuletide Gala Auction will feature a delicious Island-grown meal, the return of emcee Matt Rainnie, a live auction hosted by Kevin “Boomer” Gallant, a beautifully curated silent auction, and new this year live entertainment by local band The Love Junkies.
Tickets for the event are $250 each, with a charitable receipt component. A limited number of tickets are available; anyone interested in attending is encouraged to purchase their tickets today.
For tickets and information visit www.QEHYuletide.ca or call the QEH Foundation office at 902-894-2425.
For more information:
Kathleen Murphy
Director, Communications
QEH Foundation
kxmurphy@ihis.org
902-894-2956