December 4, 2012 marked the 23rd Annual Innkeeper’s Celebration at the Hotel Eldorado.
The Nixon family, owners of Hotel Eldorado, put funds from this event toward development of the maternity ward at KGH.
“In years past we have always tried to direct the money to something that is meaningful and current in that moment or year," said Carolyn Nixon, who gave birth to her daughter, Piper, in January.
“My father in-law did it for the hospice when his father was passing and currently there are a lot of babies and grandbabies being born so we are all familiar with the unit.”
Manager of Women's & Children's Services Beverly Sieker explains that the funding will go toward outfitting the Labour and Delivery department rooms with a new radiant warmer and up-to-date maternity furnishings.
“Our first priority would be to complete the replacement of our fleet of radiant warmers for newborn care. These cost approximately $30,000 each and we require five more,” says Sieker.
“Beyond that, it would be great to begin to replace old furnishings with new more up-to-date modern maternity furnishings, specifically delivery carts and armoires. These items would allow medical equipment to be stored appropriately creating a more comfortable home-like environment for families.”
The Nixons hope that the proceeds from their family fundraiser will give the ward everything it needs to make things as comfortable as possible for mothers, newborns and visitors.
“We’re donating the money because it is something near and dear to us,” says Nixon, who along with her two daughters, husband and several other family members, was born at KGH.
“I know when it's busy, there can be four mothers to a room sometimes...and then there are fathers in there with cell phones. I’ve heard stories where it can get a little stressful.
"It’s such a special moment for families. Making sure the ward has everything that they could possibly (want) to make it comfortable is important to us.”
The Heart of Gold Gala 2012 celebrated the final stretch of the Take Care, Take Part campaign and the opening of the new Centennial Building. A record for the Foundation, the evening raised $630,000 to support the purchase of medical equipment, providing even better patient care, and enhancing the experience of patients, families, caregivers, physicians and medical staff.