ABBOTSFORD, BC: More than 25 donors came together at the Table Bistro, this February, to help fund a Bili Blanket for the NICU department at Abbotsford Regional Hospital (ARH).
The Bili Blanket is a piece of equipment that helps provide specialist care for treating tiny babies that must always be kept warm.
Fraser Valley Health Care Foundations’ Donor Relations coordinator Dr. Lakhbir Jassal partnered with long-time hospital supporter Gaurav Sandhar to champion a fundraiser for a much-needed Bili Blanket totalling $13,105.
The goal was to help the department become equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to help facilitate improved healing conditions for pre-term babies. The foundation is proud to be helping fund specialised blankets that use light therapy to treat jaundice in newborns.
Dr. Jassal spoke of how, “when babies have too much bilirubin in their blood it can be harmful; and the light in these specialised blankets is used to break it down, just like the warmth of sunlight”.
Sandhar noted of how the Healing Hearts mixer was truly a success. “I want to say a special word of thanks to, “volunteers, the Table Bistro, our donors, and everyone involved in putting together the event. It was fantastic to see individuals from the business, non-profit and medical sectors all attend with the common goal of benefitting the NICU at the Abbotsford Hospital,” he said.
The Bili Blanket is not an ordinary blanket it is a symbol of resilience and strength, a reminder that we humans can weather any storm. As Jassal stated, “This donor event demonstrates what can be achieved when community philanthropy works in partnership with the Foundation”.
Fraser Valley Health Care Foundation relies on gifts from community to strengthen organisation and provide an investment for future health and wellness. To support projects like this please contact Dr. Jassal at 778.552.5117 or email: [email protected]
