March 21, 2023

One Year of Conexus Credit Union Family Amenities Fund for Saskatchewan Families at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital

 

Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation celebrates one year of the Conexus Credit Union Family Amenities Fund, providing parents and caregivers the opportunity for much-needed support, helping ease the financial barriers that may impact a family while having a child in hospital.

“The last thing any parent needs at a time like this is to have financial stress. By providing financial aid to families in a moment of great need, such as when a child is in the hospital, we’re able to make a difference to their financial well-being,” said Tara McKeown, Chief People Officer at Conexus Credit Union. “Through this fund we’ve been able to help people from across Saskatchewan – supporting families where and when they need it most.”

Since its’ launch in March 2022, thanks to a generous gift from Conexus Credit Union, families have the opportunity to work with their dedicated Social Worker of Interprofessional Practice to apply for financial aid in coping with both the day-to-day and unexpected costs of having a child stay at Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. This includes funding items such as travel and parking costs, meal vouchers, and grocery items to name a few.

“This program has allowed families, who typically would not have access to any other funding options, financial support to help the family focus on their child during their stay in the hospital,” said Robyn Peter, Medical Social Worker at Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. “The benefits we have seen when families receive this funding is the ability for them to stay with their child longer during their visits, and we’ve been able to have discharges happen sooner with the ability to secure funding for those necessary supplies that they might not be able to afford.”

“The healing of a child also means supporting the family, as they too are affected in a variety of ways during a hospital stay, including the added expenses that come with it,” said Laura Gawletz, Philanthropy Manager at Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “Through our incredible partnership with Conexus Credit Union, this application-based, family-centred program has helped families from 54 communities across Saskatchewan. We are grateful for families to have the opportunity to apply for funding with the Conexus Family Amenities Fund to help alleviate some of the unexpected financial pressures so they keep their focus on what matters most, their child.”

For more information on the Conexus Credit Union Family Amenities Fund, visit Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation website or through your Social Worker of Interprofessional Practice at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.