Tim Horton’s, The Ranch and Grizzly Curb Join Forces with VJH Foundation to Ensure Hospital Has Essential Neonatal Equipment
Panda Warmers in every labour and delivery room mean babies stay close to Mom, right where they belong!
VERNON, BC — April 15th marks the launch of Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation’s annual spring fundraising campaign. This year, the Foundation is raising funds for two Panda Warmers – essential neonatal equipment that provides immediate warmth to stabilize tiny newborn bodies while healthcare workers perform a vital initial assessment and monitor each baby’s health.
“This equipment helps staff feel confident that they are providing the highest standard of care,” says Dr. Jody Snook, head of VJH Pediatrics department. “If necessary, the basic tools for critical interventions are all available. But perhaps most importantly, Panda Warmers give mom and dad peace of mind because they keep their baby right there beside them.”
Danika Wells is an ICU nurse at Vernon Jubilee Hospital and knows all too well the importance of having the right tools at the right time. She’s had two healthy babies at VJH and both births ended up being more complicated than she expected.
“I decided to share my story because you never know when this vital pediatric machine will save a life,” says Danika. “I certainly never expected both of my babies to need it, but I’m so grateful it was there because it meant they got the excellent care they needed at VJH.”
This past January Danika’s daughter Maeva was born by C-section after another high-risk pregnancy. Her lungs were full of mucus: as she struggled to breathe Danika relived the exact same nightmare from two years earlier when Sullivan was born. Just like with Sullivan, Maeva was whisked across the room to a waiting Panda Warmer. After many tense minutes, Maeva was stabilized and three days later, Danika and her husband brought their beautiful baby girl home. Today, both Maeva and Sullivan are thriving.
Vernon Jubilee is the third busiest hospital in Interior Health with almost 900 babies born here every year. Having essential labour and delivery equipment means newborns get the best possible care close to home.
“When we heard that our hospital’s fleet of Panda Warmers is aging, it was a no-brainer to focus our appeal this year to replace these machines. We know how important it is to have cutting-edge technology to offer the best care locally,” says Kate McBrearty, executive director of VJH Foundation.
She notes that community partners and the generosity of the community has always been at the heart of their spring appeal to support the Women’s and Children’s department at our hospital. The Foundation will be joining forces again this year with Tim Horton’s on their Smile Cookies Campaign and continue to be the lucky recipients of The Ranch’s annual “Have a Heart Radiothon,” now in its 22nd year.
“And thanks to Grizzly Curb & Concrete, every single gift donated to the spring appeal will be doubled, up to $20,000,” says Kate. “It really is incredible what we can accomplish as a community. Together, we can make a difference for expecting families in the North Okanagan.”
Smile Cookies – April 28 to May 4, 2025
VJH Foundation is getting a sweet start to its fundraising with 100% of all proceeds from Smile Cookies sold by Tim Hortons in Vernon and Lumby going towards supporting neonatal care at our hospital.
Visit any one of the five Tim Horton’s locations in Vernon and Lumby between April 28 to May 4 and you can enjoy a delicious, smiling cookie for only $2.00.
You can also order Smile Cookies in bulk and deliver them to friends, co-workers, or anyone whose day you want to brighten. Call or visit your preferred location to place an order.
The Ranch “Have a Heart Radiothon” – May 28, 2025
On Wednesday, May 28, tune in from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. with The Ranch team for the 22nd annual Have a Heart Radiothon. Come visit them on location at Village Green Mall! As in past years, all funds raised through Radiothon will support the Women’s and Children’s department at VJH.
Ways to Donate:
Donate online at VJHFoundation.org
Call 250.558.1362
Visit the VJH Foundation office in person (located at VJH entrance, in the Jubilee building across from the pharmacy)
Danika and daughter Maeva: Danika Wells had two healthy babies at VJH. Both births ended up being more complicated than she expected.
Panda Warmers provide immediate warmth to stabilize tiny newborn bodies while healthcare workers perform an initial assessment and monitor each baby’s health.