The Auxiliary of the Victoria General Hospital is pushing poinsettias 10 times as fast as last year in its Poinsettias 4 Patients campaign to raise funds for the Neonatal Intensive Care.
Already this year the auxiliary has purchased two other pieces of equipment for the Neonatal Intensive Care and Pediatric units of Victoria General Hospital: an MRI compatible pediatric monitor at $115,925 and a portable cardiac ultrasound for $90,899.
“We thought why not keep the theme of the babies,” said Carolyn Haines, auxiliary fundraising director. “It is the year of the babies.”
Last year the campaign raised more than $400. This year during discussion in June, they decided to aim for $7,400 the cost of a new blanket warmer for babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
The auxiliary garnered some help from Victoria Hospital’s Foundation to boost the campaign reach.
“They’ve kindly helped us do the posters and brochures using their communications department because it’s on a larger scale,” Haines said. “Last year we didn’t have specific equipment we were targeting. This year we are.”
They’ve targeted large orders from banks, retirement homes, Government House and even a Victoria law office.
“It’s a community effort, we depend on everybody. Every plant sale counts,” she said.
Nov. 27 is the first pickup, but those who want to see the product can stop by and check out a table in the lobby at VGH.
“We’re going to have round two delivery. We’ve extended our deadlines,” Haines said. “We’re keeping the doors open for people that wanted to still order … Once people see the plants they’ll be in awe, because they really are stunning.”
The last chance to order poinsettias will be at the annual Christmas Chaos sale on Tuesday, Dec. 3, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The sale will be held in the VGH Lecture Hall, room S263 (off the main lobby).
Members of the public can visit the gift shop at Victoria General Hospital before Dec. 3 to order poinsettias, go online to www.vgha.ca or email info@vgha.ca to place an order. Plant pick-up will be Dec. 11 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the VGH main entrance.