Foundation team tackles COVID-19 efforts

By mid-March it became apparent that COVID-19 needed to become priority number ONE at our Foundation. Our 8 person team promptly put together the COVID-19 Critical Response Fund to ensure we could respond to all emerging needs of the pandemic. Funds raised went to help purchase equipment and supplies needed to meet patient demand and keep our team safe and supported, including ventilators, plexiglass barriers, products that maximize the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and other in-demand goods, beds and portable nurses’ carts.

Foundation staff became the point of contact, responding to the flood of several hundred inquiries from community members. Generous donors gave PPE including those precious N95 masks, gloves, face shields, ‘ear-savers’, face masks, caps and goggles. Other donations included food, gift cards, flowers and more.

In April, we initiated the White Heart Project to share words of encouragement and support for our healthcare workers. And there was an abundance of kind words from our loving community.

Annual fundraising events took a different route this year. Tour de Guelph and spring Circle of Life Seminar ran as successful virtual events. As did our latest and biggest campaign launch, the #TogetherWeCare campaign held at Strom’s Farm & Bakery.

Thank you to everyone who sent a white heart, donated in kind or monetary, and showed support for our hospital during these difficult times. The Foundation team continues to adapt to live out the mission of saving lives and improving health, together as a community.

This story originated on Guelph General Hospital’s Facebook page as part of its #behindthemask series to share how the Hospital is working hard to protect patients and visitors from #COVID19.