The Have a Heart Radiothon raises funds to help purchase valuable equipment to assist in providing the best care for moms and babies at Vernon Jubilee Hospital.

(ADOBE STOCK / iNFOnews.ca)

VERNON - Access to the best children’s healthcare possible is imperative.

To ensure this continues, the Have a Heart Radiothon takes to the air April 25 on Sun FM for the 16th year.

On-air personalities Jerhett Schafer and Betty Selin will broadcast live on location from the main entrance of Village Green Shopping Centre from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“This year’s goal is to raise funds to support maternal child care by purchasing new and replacing outdated equipment to care for newborns and their moms. Some of the currently used equipment hasn’t been replaced in over 20 years. The Have a Heart Radiothon will raise funds for two newborn isolettes, one transcutaneous bilimeter and 12 baby bassinettes,” says Ute Cummings, event coordinator for the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation.

The isolettes are used for newborns needing additional support after birth, such as regulating their temperature and providing them with light that simulates the sun’s rays to help lower their bilirubin. The transcutaneous bilimeter is an incredible monitor that will decrease the amount of blood draws (needle pokes) a baby will receive following birth. Newborns can receive anywhere between 3-5 pokes, but with this monitor, the number of pokes can be reduced to 1-3. VJH is one of the only hospitals within Interior Health that does not have this piece of equipment. New bassinettes will be much lighter in weight, more mobile, and height adjustable, making it easier for a new mother to be close to her baby, especially after surgeries.

(VERNON JUBILEE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION / iNFOnews.ca)

Also on the 25, Clarence Fulton Secondary students will be holding the ninth annual Breakfast Bags for Babies from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. All proceeds will be donated to the Radiothon. Be on the look-out for enthusiastic Fulton students at the lights by Okanagan Landing Road and Fulton Road. Students will be located at various intervals along OK Landing Road in the direction of the Flower Spot and the Landing Plaza.

They have prepared 200 breakfast bags for sale by donation and the bags will be filled with goodies; fruit, granola bars, muffins and coffee coupons. Breakfast items have been donated by local businesses. Stop by to grab a nutritious breakfast and to support a great cause!

Regardless of the amount, all donations and challenges will be acknowledged on-air during the Radiothon. There will be an opportunity for businesses and individuals to challenge others in our community and acknowledge the exceptional care received at Vernon Jubilee Hospital.

“Radiothon is one of my favourite days of the year. We see many of the same families every year and have watched children born at VJH grow into teenagers. I love how the community comes together every year to share their stories and remind us how lucky we are to have this amazing facility and incredible staff to support local families,” says Betty Selin, Sun FM Sunrise Show and Radiothon co-host. “I can’t wait to see everyone again this year, especially the babies.”

Donations can be dropped off in person at the main door of the Village Green Shopping Centre from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., pledged by Visa or MasterCard by calling 250-549-1057 or donate on-line at www.vjhfoundation.org.

Since 2004, Sun FM Have a Heart Radiothon has raised $766,773 for children at VJH.

News from © iNFOnews, 2019