A special COVID-19 fundraising drive to support Guelph General Hospital's medical team has raised half a million dollars in two months.
The hospital's fundraising arm, The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital, announced the creation of the COVID-19 Critical Response Fund on March 24. It's purpose was to raise money that would be used "to ensure the hospital’s medical team has the essential lifesaving equipment, technology and supports they need to provide the best possible care and safety for all patients – and themselves."
A report being presented to the hospital's board of directors Tuesday says the fund has raised approximately $500,000 to date, with more than 700 donors supporting the fund, including 355 who were donating for the first time.
The report also notes that the community has come through with:
• 20 tablets to connect patients to their families
• more than 10,000 sewn items including cloth masks, scrub caps and ear savers;
• hundreds of items to support staff including restaurant gift certificates, snacks, magazines, insoles, gift bags and hand cream;
• tens of thousands of pieces of PPE including N95 masks, surgical masks, face- shields, gowns, gloves and more.
