September 1, 2020

Sofina Foundation donates $25,000 to help kids heal faster

Thanks to the generosity of Sofina Foundation, new nutrition technology is helping Saskatchewan kids in their healing process.

Sofina Foundation has donated $25,000 for a

n indirect calorimetry machine and feeding pump for pediatrics in Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.

Indirect calorimetry is a non-invasive testing procedure that makes it easier for medical staff to get a more reliable nutrition reading when a child is recovering from illness or injury. It measures a young patient’s energy needs rather than estimate them, allowing dietitians to provide individualized nutrition prescriptions at various points throughout the patient’s recovery.

“Indirect calorimetry will take the guesswork out of my job and allow me to provide better quality, individualized nutrition prescriptions to our young patients,” said Pediatric Dietitian Casey Napper. “Research has shown that doing so positively affects hospital stay length, infection and complication rates, and morbidity and mortality outcomes.”

Once the appropriate caloric intake has been prescribed, nutrition can be provided through a feeding tube to ensure children are receiving the appropriate nourishment their bodies need.

“We’re proud to support Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital and make a difference for children and their families in Saskatchewan” said Umeeda Madhany, Sofina Foundation President. “I am delighted that, through the ongoing efforts of our employee-driven Dream Builders’ Campaign, we have been able to positively impact our community and support children during their most difficult and challenging times.”

Sofina Foundation is the charitable arm of Sofina Foods, which is one of Canada’s leading manufacturers of primary and value-added protein products, with brands such as Lilydale, Janes and Mastro. Sofina Foods operates 16 plants and three hatcheries across Canada, with a hatchery and poultry processing plant in Wynyard, Sask.

As part of Sofina Foundation’s fundraising initiative, known as the Dream Builders’ Campaign, a group of volunteers at each Sofina Foods’ location organizes fundraisers, with each dollar matched by Sofina Foods.

“Thank you to Sofina Foods’ employees and its foundation for recognizing the importance of this technology and supporting the healing process for children in hospital,” said Brynn Boback-Lane, President and CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation. “We know proper nutrition is a vital part of the healing journey, and this technology is key for helping little ones get back to being kids.”

You can help ensure Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital has all the equipment and technology it needs, long after the doors are open by donating here.