“They gave me my life back.”
“They are so caring and generous with their time.”
“Kingston is so lucky to have them!”

These are just a few of the comments made by donors who have generously donated through the University Hospitals Kingston Foundation (UHKF) Honour Your Caregiver (HYC) program.

In the last year, HYC gifts increased by 83 per cent to a grand total of $392,807. This amazing generosity highlights the incredible impact that Kingston’s health-care workers have on patients and families in their care. But what impact do the HYC gifts have on the health-care workers?

“It is such an honour to receive the notice of a donation made to UHKF in my name,” says Dr. Stephanie Baxter, Cornea Specialist at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC). “It makes me feel proud to know that my care was appreciated. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to the donors for their support.”

“I think it’s amazing when donors acknowledge us in this way,” says Jan Giroux, Nurse Practitioner at KHSC. “These gifts validate the time and skills that we put into the care we provide. I am overwhelmed, humbled and honoured.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, local health-care workers have made sacrifices to keep patients, health-care sites and the community safe. There has never been a more important time to acknowledge their exceptional hard work and dedication.

“We do what we do without expecting any gratification at all,” says Patti Harvey, Director of Rehabilitative Care at Providence Care. “But when patients and donors provide funding to help purchase much-needed rehab equipment and access to new technologies as thanks for the care we provided, it means the world to us.”

HYC gifts of all sizes are a fantastic way to say “thank you” and help provide much-needed funding that directly impacts patient care. They also have a profound impact on the caregivers themselves, boosting morale during challenging times.

“As a physician, being able to have a positive impact on the life of other people is extremely rewarding,” says Dr. Andres Enriquez (pictured), Cardiac Electrophysiologist at KHSC. “These acts of generosity and appreciation from donors have gained a whole new meaning after living during a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. They not only save lives and improve the quality of care for patients, but they also have a tangible impact on health-care workers. Thank you so much!”

If you would like to thank an exceptional caregiver at KHSC or Providence Care, please visit www.uhkf.ca/HYC or call us at 613-549-5452.