Newsroom
July 8, 2022
Families from Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Family Ambassador Program take in Saskatchewan Roughriders games as Conexus Credit Union “pays-it-forward”
As a long-time partner of Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation (JPCHF), Conexus Credit Union has steadfastly helped families of Saskatchewan.
Most recently, at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Jeans & Jewels Gala on May 27, 2022, the representatives of Conexus Credit Union won a live auction prize named the “13th Man” Specialty Table. Their prize pack included tickets to two regular-season games, donated by Synergy 8 Community Builders and Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation. Instead of dispersing the tickets amongst employees, Conexus made the incredible decision to give families who have been impacted by children’s health care in our province, a truly Saskatchewan experience.
“Improving the financial well-being of our members and our communities is at the heart of what we do,” said Tara McKeown, Chief Employee Experience Officer, 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. To share the ’13th Man’ experience package with a child and their family, enabling them to have a few hours of fun together without thinking about treatments or hospital stays, is a small gesture in the grand scheme of their daily life’s challenges. For us, it’s just one small thing we can do to help make our corner of the world a better place.”
Mason and Rhodes were the two lucky members of JPCHF’s Family Ambassador Program that were chosen as the recipients of the tickets. As part of the Family Ambassador Program, Mason’s and Rhodes’ families have bravely and courageously shared their health care stories to spread awareness throughout Saskatchewan about the life-changing work that happens at JPCH.
On June 11, 2022, Conexus, in partnership with JPCHF, was able to send Mason and his family to the season opener against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, a 30-13 victory for the Riders. When Mason was seven, he was diagnosed with Jejunoileitis, a severe case of Crohn’s disease. He makes monthly trips from his home in Regina to Saskatoon for treatment. Mason was able to enjoy the game with his mom and grandparents.
“Thank you SO much to Conexus for providing these tickets. Mason had a blast! Not only was it his first Roughriders game, but he was able to enjoy his first real live event since the pandemic,” said Mason’s mom, Rhea.
Conexus Credit Union was able to once again provide that game-day experience for Rhodes and his family.
On July 2, 2022, Rhodes and his family took in another Roughrider win against the Montreal Alouettes. Originally, Rhodes and his family were expecting a typical Rider game, but with the help of Conexus Credit Union and the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation, Rhodes was treated to a first-class experience including on-field passes and tickets to the Saskatchewan Roughrider Foundation community suite. Rhodes has been a fighter his whole life. He was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia in 2020 leading to a six-month stay at JPCH and a bone marrow transplant. Now in remission, Rhodes was able to spend time with his family cheering on a team in his home province.
It is because of dedicated community partnerships that families throughout Saskatchewan are able to have access to first-class health care right in their backyard.
Thank you for “paying-it-forward” Conexus Credit Union!
To learn more about how your company can help the families of Saskatchewan, please contact Laura Gawletz, Philanthropy Manager at JPCHF at 306.937.9650 or visit our website.
If you are interested in sharing your story and becoming part of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Family Ambassador Program, please contact Nelson Vo, Communications Associate at JPCHF or share your story here.
