An altruistic air augmented an evening of family, fun and amazing hockey on a night primed to raise funds for local hospitals.
“It was fantastic,” said Melanie Mahlman, executive director of the Victoria Hospitals Foundation, who talked to many a fan during the Royals hockey game billed as Hockey for Hospitals on March 5. “They loved the idea that they’re supporting the hospital. It was really exciting hockey and everybody had a great time and they raised $22,000.”
The Royals also hammered the Vancouver Giants 7-3.
Ticket sales and a donation raised $5,000 shy of their $27,000 goal to purchase three specialized electric stretchers for the Victoria General and Royal Jubilee Hospital Emergency Departments.
Last year’s inaugural Hockey for Hospitals raised $25,000 for three transportable vital signs monitors for the ER at Victoria General Hospital.
The difference between 2015 and this year is a second gift last year.
“This year we had one which is lovely, it was a $9,000 gift but we could use another $5,000,” Mahlman said. “We’re really grateful to everyone that came out and supported us. It makes a difference.”
According to Island Health the two departments helped 108,000 people last year, 14,000 of them children. The stretchers provide critical information. For example, an immobile or unconscious person can be weighed directly on the stretcher, providing critical information when administering medication.
“They sound like pretty basic tools but they’re really really important to care,” Mahlman said. “They can raise and lower depending on what kind of care the person is receiving. There are a lot of people providing care … these stretchers facilitate that, the railings drop, the position can move.”
For more information on how to donate to the cause call 250-519-1750 or visit victoriahf.ca online.