St. Paul’s foundation raising money for ventilator before COVID-19 hit

Saskatoon’s St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation is raising money for equipment that could prove critical in the fight against COVID-19.

The foundation began campaigning in January to raise money for a Hamilton C-1 ventilator, hoping to source one to help people dealing with shortness of breath caused by various illnesses. The fundraising call didn’t even mention the novel coronavirus.

“Last year, no one knew what COVID-19 was, and we needed ventilators,” said Lecina Hicke, CEO of the St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation.

“The sheer power of grace, or whomever you might look to, has put us in this position.”

She’s been touched to see the response during these turbulent times.

“During times like this, people look for a way they can help, and kind of a way of getting control over the situation,” she said.

“The people of Saskatchewan are doing what they always do, and that’s what’s best for the community.”

People can donate to the campaign here.

Editor’s note: A previous version of this story attributed the ventilator campaign to the Hospital Home Lottery. It is, in fact, a separate fundraising campaign.