August 25, 2022

‘Harvest For Kids’ Health’ Program Launches Inspired by Monumental Gift to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation

On Thursday, August 25, 2022, a Saskatchewan agricultural producer gave Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation (JPCHF) a monumental gift of support.

Gene Pidwerbesky, a proud provincial farmer, is humbled to join Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation’s family with a contribution of $1.98 million in cooperation with Saskatoon Community Foundation, in support of a new urgently needed equipment program called, ‘Harvest For Kids’ Health,’ inspired by Gene Pidwerbesky and family. This meaningful gift will greatly assist medical teams and provide the latest technology and cutting-edge equipment that is required for specialized health care at Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH).

Gene is a multi-generational farmer who lives near Borden, SK, and simply desired to help Saskatchewan kids, in the hope that his gift will inspire other agricultural producers, both individuals and corporations, to donate toward this important medical equipment program.

“Kids now more than ever need to live the life they deserve to the fullest, and that’s what this gift is about,” Gene said on his reason for giving to Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation.

“Kids don’t know what is happening to them or why. Being in hospital is hard enough for an adult, but these kids are hurting, and need the best options available.”

When urgently needed equipment is purchased, health care professionals at JPCH can better treat and care for Saskatchewan children and their families, serving patients from all corners of the province, which equate to *499 Saskatchewan communities.

“There are various great places these funds can go, but these kids deserve it the most,” said Gene on his reason for inspiring the ‘Harvest For Kids’ Health’ program at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation.

“The rapidly growing need for maternal and pediatric medical advancements will never stop, and thanks to the life-changing contribution of Gene Pidwerbesky and his family, in collaboration with the Saskatoon Community Foundation, this tremendous gift will help provide access to urgently needed specialized equipment at Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital,” said Brynn Boback-Lane, President and CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation.

“A ‘harvest’ heartfelt thank you to Gene and his family for this generous commitment to the mothers that will give new life and to the children who deserve to live their very best. In true Saskatchewan spirit, this donation is a testament of how you can help your neighbours, friends, and families, the ‘Harvest For Kids Health’ program will greatly advance care at our provincial children’s hospital.”

“It has indeed been an honour to assist Mr. Pidwerbesky in the making of this meaningful gift. Working with him, his professional advisors, and Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation is a wonderful example of the power of charitable giving through a partnership with Saskatoon Community Foundation. Together, we create a more vibrant community. Today’s announcement is exciting for the children and families of Saskatchewan. Thank you to the Pidwerbesky family for this incredible gift – we know that your generosity will inspire more families to join you in living their legacy through their charitable giving,” said Carm Michalenko, CEO at Saskatoon Community Foundation.

“Partnership with the Saskatoon Community Foundation demonstrates that local community organizations can do their good work together and have a positive impact in the lives of others,” said Boback-Lane.

In honour of Gene’s generous gift to Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, the Moose Pod within Pediatric Outpatients at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital will be named to showcase Gene Pidwerbesky and his family. *Pediatric Outpatients at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital served over 25,000 patients, with 47.4% from outside of Saskatoon.

Gene and his family invite other farming families to give this fall to the ‘Harvest For Kids’ Health’ program. Learn more about ‘Harvest For Kids’ Health’ on Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation’s website – pattisonchildrens.ca/harvest-for-kids-health.

*Saskatchewan Health Authority reporting year April 2020 to March 2021.