Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH) Foundation is proud to recognize the generous support of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation and their gift of $55,000 to fund a new incubator for the Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
This gift marks a significant moment in the Sandra Schmirler Foundation’s history, as it surpasses $10 million in grants to neonatal intensive care units across Canada and begins its 25th year of helping babies in need.
OSMH Foundation is honoured to be a part of this milestone gift and celebrated with a special presentation featuring TSN curling broadcaster Vic Rauter, who came to see the new incubator.
“I was really flattered when they asked me to help present this grant. It’s my home hospital and it’s quite something special to see what has been achieved from that first telethon to today,” said Rauter.
The new incubator, also known as an isolette, will provide a stable, controlled environment for the Hospital’s tiniest patients, helping reduce stress and promote healing during critical early stages of life.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have such generous support from the Sandra Schmirler Foundation,” said Michelle Misener, Program Manager, Children’s Services at Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital. “Having access to advanced equipment like this isolette truly makes a difference for our most vulnerable newborns and their families.”
Since 2015 the Sandra Schmirler Foundation has generously donated over $165,000 to the OSMH NICU. These grants have allowed the Hospital to advance the care for babies across the region by supporting the purchase of critical equipment such as fetal heart monitors, a central patient monitoring system, air oxygen blenders, and more.
Darren McEwen, Executive Director of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation is proud of the milestone achievement that the Foundation has reached this year in supporting organizations like OSMH.
“Crossing the $10 million mark as we enter our 25th birthday season is a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish together. Every dollar raised and every grant given represents a baby who has been given a fighting chance thanks to the generosity of curlers, fans, and supporters,” said McEwen.
The Regional Women and Children Program at OSMH operates a Level Two NICU, second only to SickKids, The Hospital for Sick Children and provides specialized care for high-risk pregnancies and births throughout the region. With over 1,000 babies born at OSMH yearly, investment in this program has a large impact on many families.
“We are deeply grateful to the Sandra Schmirler Foundation for choosing to support Soldiers’,” said Joanna Gray, Director of Major Gifts and Campaigns, Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Foundation. “This gift is a testament to the lasting legacy of Sandra Schmirler’s spirit of giving.”
The Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital Foundation extends its sincere thanks to the Sandra Schmirler Foundation for its continued commitment to neonatal care. This partnership ensures that the tiniest patients in our community receive the best possible start in life, because champions start small.
