March 23, 2022

Conexus Credit Union Generously Commits $750,000 to Enhance the Well-Being of Saskatchewan Children and Their Families in Hospital

Saskatchewan families who are coping with sick or injured children at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH) now have an extra source of much-needed support. Conexus Credit Union has generously committed $750,000 to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation (JPCHF) to create the “Conexus Credit Union Family Amenities Fund” to provide families with limited resources the opportunity of support towards unexpected financial stressors during lengthy stays at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. 

“Improving the financial well-being of our members and our communities is at the heart of what we do. Life sometimes throws us curve balls causing unexpected expenses which can have long-term impacts on our families,” says Neil Cooper, Interim CEO, Conexus Credit Union. “It is more important than ever for us to be there for those whose lives may be already financially strained due to the repercussions of the pandemic and now emotionally strained from dealing with a sick child. By partnering with Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation to provide this new program, we hope to alleviate some of the unexpected financial pressures faced by families so they can focus on what matters most.”

This application-based program will provide funding for areas such as parking, gift cards for gas or groceries, and meal vouchers to name a few items. “Knowing the many stressors these families face can be challenging knowing we do not have the ability to help them, financially, in their time of great need. With the new fund available our team will be able to tackle these concerns and bring relief in helping with the associated costs of having a loved one in hospital, or being in hospital while expecting a child,” said Martie Davies BA, MSW, RSW, Manager Interprofessional Practice (Saskatoon) with Saskatchewan Health Authority. Working with the dedicated Social Workers of Interprofessional Practice at JPCH, this program is aimed at easing the financial burden on Saskatchewan families by offering caregivers assistance in coping with the unexpected and day-to-day costs of having a loved one in the hospital, just like for Samantha and her son Spencer.

Born January 22, 2022, little Spencer was having difficulty eating and breathing, making a noticeable sound with his every breath. In March 2022, he was admitted to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital and placed on oxygen. Spencer received a feeding tube and was diagnosed with laryngomalacia, a condition characterized by a softening of tissue in the voice box. While the condition sometimes corrects itself over time, Spencer would require immediate surgery. When asked what it meant to have access to funding during her unexpected hospital stay, Samantha said, “It’s just great to have that type of support, because having a baby is really hard.” As the first recipients of support, made possible through the new Conexus Credit Union Family Amenities Fund, Samantha is able to focus on transitioning home with Spencer, who will continue to require a feeding tube. “As a new and young mom, this experience has been very stressful emotionally and financially. But throughout it all I have met some amazing nurses, nutrition specialists, pediatricians, a social worker, and our surgeon who saved my son,” said Samantha.

“When a child is not well, it affects the whole family in countless ways, especially when they are away from home, missing work, incurring added expenses, and experiencing the anxiety associated with their child’s illness or injury. Conexus Credit Union has made a life-changing commitment to Saskatchewan children and families through this new Family Amenities Program. Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation is grateful that we are able to take care of the patients and help the families through this added care contribution. We thank Conexus Credit Union for recognizing that the healing of a child also means supporting the family,” said Brynn Boback-Lane, President & CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation.

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.