Annual radiothon raises more than $760K for Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital

By Jaryn Vecchio

The annual Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH) Radiothon was once again a huge success.

Radio stations in multiple communities like Prince Albert, North Battleford, Meadow Lake, Saskatoon and Regina broadcast the fundraiser on Tuesday and Wednesday, helping to raise more than $760,000.

“We are truly grateful to Saskatchewan for tuning in to their local radio station, picking up the phone and making a donation after hearing the real, inspirational stories of children from across the province who are receiving critical care at JPCH,” Brynn Boback-Lane, president and CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation, said in a release.

Last year’s radiothon raised more than $888,000.

This year’s funds will be used to purchase equipment for innovative surgeries, increase capacity of care for scoliosis patients, and provide lifesaving therapies for acute kidney patients.

According to the foundation, more than 20,000 kids attend the JPCH Emergency Room each year, while the Out-Patients Unit helps more than 30,000 children annually.

Gord and Barb Broda of Prince Albert, whom the foundation says are loyal supports, matched up to $150,000.

This year’s funds put the total amount raised throughout the entire history of the radiothon to more than $15 million. The first fundraiser was held 20 years earlier.