Abbotsford – The Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Abbotsford Regional Hospital (ARH) was in dire need of some special reclining chairs that allow parents to have skin-to-skin contact with their premature infants. They are currently borrowing two chairs from another area of the hospital who will eventually need them back.
The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation put out a plea on social media to raise the funds for the needed chairs; each chair has a cost of $1,700 and four are required. After seeing the post Victoria Cawkwell rallied her community around the cause.
With the understanding of how important skin to skin contact is and some even have had personal experiences with the ARH NICU the local families and business in Matsqui raised $5600 in a very short time. “Victoria’s effort along with the families and business’ of Matsqui has made it possible for us to purchase 3 of the 4 needed chairs” said Liz Harris, Executive Director of the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation. “We are very grateful to everyone that has come forward to support this urgent need”
There is still a need for one more chair and if you would like to donate to the ARH NICU please contact the Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation office at 604-851.4890 or at info@fvhcf.ca.
The Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation raises funds for vital equipment and programs funded or endorsed by the Fraser Health Authority. They serve the communities of Abbotsford, Mission, Chilliwack, Hope, Agassiz and Harrison Hot Springs.
