Radiothon to Support Littlest Patients at VJH

The North Okanagan community is once again invited to tune into Pure Country 105.7 for the annual Have a Heart Radiothon event. Thursday May 26 will mark the 19th fun-filled year of raising funds for much needed equipment in the Women’s and Children’s Health Services (WCHS) unit in         our hospital.

“We’re excited to return to a live event this year with our strong partnership with Pure Country 105.7 for this 12-hour day in support of acquiring critical equipment for moms and babies,” shares Kate McBrearty, VJH Foundation Executive Director. “With 828 babies born in 2021 alone, the unit was full of activity and highlighted the need for additional specialized equipment – a panda warmer and a pediatric transport monitor.”

“When faced with medical emergencies, time and the right equipment are key,” explains Kristen Megyesi, Manager Clinical Operations WCHS. “The transport monitor is essential for clinicians to use when making decisions about a critically ill pediatric patients care. This can include transport to another community to receive more specialized services, return transport back to their home community, or even to be used during a trip to the diagnostic imaging department at our own site for continuous up-to-the-second stats. As well, the panda warmer is one of the truly staple pieces of equipment we depend on in our day-to-day lives as labour and delivery nurses. Every baby born at VJH will use the panda warmer before being released home. These critical items increase a child’s ability to receive the care they require as quickly as possible.”

On-air hosts Turner Gentry and Jess Mattia will be broadcasting live from the Village Green Shopping Centre main entrance for the entire day. “Adding the Pure Country drive-thru and walk-up facilities at the mall makes it all that more exciting. Giving our community a chance to come out and physically donate is important to us.  Come by and say hi!” says Turner, Morning Show Host of Pure Country 105.7.

Residents are encouraged to get involved in the following ways:

·       DONATE BY PHONE: 250.558.1362 

·       DONATE ONLINE:  vjhfoundation.org/radiothon

·       IN PERSON DONATION: Village Green Centre Main Entrance 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

·       LISTEN LIVE: iheartradio.ca/purecountry/vernon

All donations help ensure the right equipment is here, ready at the right time, for a child in need.