April 9, 2020

Bringing Easter cheer to young patients at JPCH

The Easter bunny made a special drop off at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital this week, delivering fun-filled Easter baskets to help bring some joy to kids spending the holiday weekend in hospital.

While an Easter party in the Child Life Zone wasn’t possible due to COVID-19 precautions, hospital staff were still able to deliver some cheer to patients in their individual private rooms.

Young patients received colourful baskets filled with an assortment of chocolate bunnies, fun toys, bubbles, easter eggs and craft supplies, all donated by Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. 

“Participating in holiday traditions with the pediatric patients in hospital provides a sense of normalcy. Easter baskets, gifts and chocolates would be a usual occurrence this time of year at schools and with friends and family, so that means the hospital too. These baskets brighten our patients’ day, let them know they are not forgotten about and that traditions and fun can still occur, even if admitted to hospital,” explained Dominique Rust, Child Life Program Manager at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.

The Child Life program offers support and education for patients and families to help reduce the anxiety and stress of a hospital stay. The Teammates for Kids Child Life Zone is a state-of-the-art environment, providing play opportunities to help normalize and educate pediatric patients about medical procedures. The Child Life Zone joins 11 others across North America, but Saskatchewan’s zone is the first of its kind in Canada.

“We know it’s never an easy time to spend a holiday in hospital, especially during these difficult times, but we hope this simple, thoughtful surprise helps bring a sense of joy and normality to these incredible children and their families over the Easter weekend,” said Brynn Boback-Lane, President and CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. 

If you would like to donate to the COVID-19 Hospital Fund to help Saskatchewan kids and families during this time, please click here to make a donation.