Residents of Carlyle and surrounding communities gathered Friday May 19 to raise money to start building Saskatchewan's new Children's Hospital.
The Children's Hospital of Saskatchewan (CHS) will be a hospital for newborns, children and teenagers and where pregnant women are cared for and babies are delivered. It will be located at Royal University Hospital in Saskatoon and will be home to a new emergency department with clear separation of adults from children and teenagers needing care.
The hospital is in the early design phase with actual construction expected to begin in late 2013, hopefully having the hospital open in late 2016.
It will not eliminate out-of-province travel for children with rare conditions or requiring highly specialized care, these cases will continue to be best served in larger centres. Saskatchewan does not yet have the population to allow for that kind of care. What the new hospital will do is make current services and programs stronger through modern, purpose built space and will create the best experience for the entire family.
Spectra Credit Union took over Main Street for a couple of hours to help raise awareness and funds to donate to the Children's Hospital Foundation of Saskatchewan, a charity closely linked to the financial aspects of the hospital.
This Foundation is dedicated to raising funds for the enhancement of children's healthcare and the Children's Hospital of Saskatchewan. They are the Saskatchewan member and branch of Children's Miracle Network.
Hot dogs were barbequed on the streets by dedicated employees, and the large amount of baking and sweets was done on a volunteer basis from the employees as well. A full meal could be purchased for under five dollars, with all proceeds going directly to the cause.
Squares were also available for purchase for two bucks, with all of the participants names going into a draw to win a cooler on wheels and more. These squares may still be available at Spectra, as well as more information on donating.
If you were unable to attend the event, donations can also be made through www.childrenshospitalsask.ca
