HSN Volunteer Association Donates $Half-Million to NEO Kids

By Angela Gemmill

The NEO Kids Foundation has its first..and largest donation towards the creation of a health centre in Sudbury, just for children.

A half-million dollars was donated from the Volunteer Association at Health Sciences North, in what is being called a historic pledge.

Board Chair, Cliff Richardson, says the money comes from proceeds collected at the hospital gift shop, boutique and lotto centre, all run by the Volunteer Association.

President of NEO Kids Foundation, Patricia Mills calls it a ‘leadership gift’.

She says it’s meant to inspire other donors out there.

She feels the donation shows how much the Volunteer Association supports the plans for a health centre for children.

NEO Kids operates outpatient clinics from a temporary location at HSN, but the Fundation is raising funds for a stand-alone centre.

Medical Director of HSN’s Family and Child Program, Chief of Pediatrics, Dr Sean Murray says a stand alone facility is needed in Sudbury because too many families are forced to travel for specialized care.

NEO Kids Foundation was launched one month ago to raise funds for children’s health care needs in the North East.

Mills says once the required amount is raised towards the actual building, the NEO Kids Foundation will continue to raise funds for pediatric equipment, services and diagnostics.