How Far a $35 Gift Can Go
All donations have a big impact on patient care.
It’s 11 o’clock in the morning, a favoured time of day for me, as this is when I pick up the phone to call people like you – Burnaby Hospital’s supporters.
Next to meeting you in person, it’s the best way I have to let you know how much the hospital truly appreciates and values your donations.
Each week I talk to wonderful people like:
Mrs. Carmalotta*. She’s lived in East Vancouver for over 50 years. Five years ago, her husband became ill and Burnaby Hospital cared for him for several weeks. The last few were in Palliative Care. Mrs. Carmalotta gives $35 in the spring and again at Christmas time. She does this in her husband’s memory and because she is grateful for the care he received, and the loving support of the nursing staff.
Mr. and Mrs. Baker* still remember when Burnaby Hospital first opened in 1952. Their children were all born there- even some of their grandchildren. Both have had several surgeries done at Burnaby Hospital and are always quick to praise the talents of the doctors and the wonderful and caring nursing staff. They donate $75 every year at Christmas to help support Burnaby Hospital.
Mr. Yuen* is a very quiet man, and admits he doesn’t speak English very well. “You help me and family, now I help you,” is what he tells me when I call to thank him for his twice a year gift of $25.
Three very different people, yet they usually all tell me the same thing: “I wish it could be more, I’m sure what I give doesn’t help very much.”
Dear reader, please tell me you don’t feel this way, too!
All donations are critically important, and when added together help Burnaby Hospital purchase urgently needed equipment.
Fine words, but perhaps some hard numbers would be more convincing…
Last year, 539 people sent in $35, which gave $18,865 to the hospital; this was more than enough to purchase surgical telescopes urgently needed for the Operating Room.
607 people each gave $25, resulting in more than enough funds to purchase two stress blood pressure monitors.
But just imagine if these people decided not to give, because they felt their donation was too small or would not be missed. I shiver just thinking about it!
The power of giving is truly amazing, and when everyone gives what they can, well, surely you can see; donations added with others give our doctors the tools they need to help people and save lives.
And what could be more important than that?
*Names above have been changed to protect privacy.
How You Help is written by Maura Fitzpatrick, Director of Annual Giving. Want to talk to a real person? Contact
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