Local efforts bring comfort to sick children

The power of community is alive and well in the Comox Valley as local organizations, youth groups, businesses, and individuals unite to bring comfort to sick children at the Comox Valley Hospital. From the dedicated efforts of K’ómoks First Nations Elder Ramona Johnson to École Mark R. Isfeld Interact Club, to fans and supporters of the Comox Valley Glacier Kings, to holiday campaigns through PetSmart and the BC Liquor Store, to Auxiliary contributions and more, the region is coming together to make a difference for young patients.

K’ómoks First Nation Elder, Ramona Johnson, and business owner, Jon Preece, are once again encouraging the community to support sick children at the hospital. They have set a goal to collect 200 stuffed animals. With 90 stuffed animals already collected, they are encouraging others in the community to come forward and help them reach their goal.

The Isfeld Interact Club, a dynamic group of young people focused on humanitarian efforts, recently presented a generous $600 donation to the hospital’s pediatric stuffed animal program. This donation was raised through bake sales, a testament to their commitment to community service and their “youth helping youth” motto. Their contribution will help sustain a program aimed at reducing stress and providing comfort to children visiting the hospital.

The efforts don’t stop there. The Comox Valley Glacier Kings also got involved in the cause by hosting a Stuffie Toss on the ice, collecting new stuffed animals for sick children at our hospital. The excitement on the ice mirrored the community’s enthusiasm for supporting this important initiative, as fans and players came together to donate.

Heartfelt contributions of stuffed animals were also seen through PetSmart’s seasonal toy drive and BC Liquor Store’s Share-a-Bear program this past fall. Hundreds of stuffies made their way to the hospital through these two holiday campaigns.

Last Spring, the Auxiliary Society for Comox Valley Healthcare made a significant donation toward our pediatric stuffed animal program and they also help the Foundation on an on-going basis with storage and at-cost purchasing.

“We are so inspired by the kindness shown through these special initiatives and from loyal, on-going contributors some of whom even make precious homemade stuffies,” said Rhonda Stevens, Co-Executive Director of the Comox Valley Healthcare Foundation. “Approximately 10,000 children visit the hospital each year and we see tremendous efforts to enhance care and reduce kids’ stress through the stuffed animal program. The spirit of our community to help each other is really remarkable.”

These combined efforts highlight the strength of community and the incredible impact that can be made when people come together for a common cause. The Foundation extends its gratitude to everyone involved. Together, we are creating a community of care, compassion, and hope.