NICU Charity Golf Raises $23K for Critically ill Babies
The sunny weather and amazing course conditions on the weekend helped golfers at Osprey Links Golf Club raise $23,000 for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC).
Funds raised from this year’s tournament are supporting the purchase of Biliblankets and beds to treat newborns with jaundice. Jaundice causes yellowing of the skin due to excess bilirubin in the blood and while often manageable, in rare cases, high levels of bilirubin can lead to significant, long-term impairment.
Organizers are thrilled to announce that with the proceeds from this tournament, the Health Centre will be able to purchase three blanket systems (valued at $9000 each).
“Using a Biliblanket for treatment of jaundice provides the highest level of therapeutic light available. The blanket is placed directly on the baby and can be used twenty-four hours a day,” explains Kim Carter, Manager, Women and Children at NBHRC. “Importantly, this treatment also allows the newborn to be held and nursed during treatment, which is important for bonding.”
Tournament co-chairs Geoff and Tracy Richardson are immensely grateful for the incredible generosity and support they receive for this annual fundraiser – now in its 10th year. “Since 2014, the NICU Charity Golf Tournament presented by North Bay Mazda has supported babies and their families at our Health Centre by ensuring access to the best possible care, close to home,” Geoff says. “Raising over $23,000 will go a long way in providing essential care and resources for our NICU, ensuring our tiniest patients receive the best possible start in life.”
North Bay Mazda is proud to be making a significant impact on health care in our community. “Supporting the NICU at North Bay Regional Health Centre is deeply important to us, having our godson receive care here,” says Patrick Shaw, Managing Partner of North Bay Mazda. “We are thrilled to have so many friends, colleagues and businesses come together on this beautiful day at Osprey Links.”
Tammy Morison, NBRHC Foundation President and CEO explains that medical equipment purchases are made possible through a partnership between the government, hospital and our community. “Businesses, individuals, families and groups support our hospital in a variety of ways throughout the year, including monthly and memorial donations, gifts in wills, corporate sponsorships and multi-year commitments,” says. “We are eternally grateful to the Richardson’s and North Bay Mazda for their dedication to our tiny patients.”
NICU at NBRHC:
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the North Bay Regional Health Centre cares for acutely ill neonates and their families. Nurses provide around the clock care to the hospital’s tiniest patients.
The unit accommodates eight newborns and serves as a high-risk referral centre for surrounding areas. Our level 2C unit cares for newborns of 30 weeks gestation and higher.
Last year, we celebrated 761 births and cared for 202 NICU patients.
Babies stayed in the NICU for a collective 1,366 days. Our dedicated nurses provide round-the-clock care to these tiny fighters, ensuring they receive the specialized attention they need to thrive.
NICU Charity Golf Tournament
Since 2014, the NICU Charity Golf Tournament has helped raised more than $240,000 supporting our youngest patients.
· 2014 - Cribette and Biliblanket
· 2015 - Pediatric Cardiac Monitor
· 2016 - Pediatric Cardiac Monitor
· 2017 - SiPAP Machine and Infusion Pump
· 2018 – Isolette and Chairs
· 2019 – Giraffe Isolette
· 2021 – Fetal Monitor
· 2022 - Hugs® Infant Security System
· 2023 - Retinal Camera
· 2024 – Billiblanket Systems (3)
