License to Heal: Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Radiothon raising funds to help kids hear across Saskatchewan – DiscoverHumboldt.com

The Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation is gearing up for its annual Radiothon on November 5th and 6th, with a new mission focused on improving hearing health for children across Saskatchewan.

CEO Troy Davies says this year’s event, presented by CIBC Wood Gundy, will carry a James Bond-inspired theme called Project OO: License to Heal.

“All of our kids who are going to be a part of this are all going to be special agents that we’re going to bring for these full two days,” said Davies. “The initiative specifically focuses on hearing and health with vital services, and we’re looking to impact the hearing and health that kids have across the entire province.”

The “double O’s,” Davies explained, stand for otology and otolaryngology medical fields that deal with hearing and ear health. The funds raised will support the creation of two new sound booths at the hospital, a move that could increase the capacity for hearing assessments by 60 per cent.

“That would basically increase our capacity for hearing assessments by 60 per cent, which is a huge impact for all kids from the entire province,” said Davies.

Although the hospital is located in Saskatoon, Davies emphasized that its services reach families from every corner of Saskatchewan.

“It’s important that everyone in the province is aware that these services are offered to all kids, and we have kids coming from across all of Saskatchewan for these needs,” he said.

This will be Davies’ first Radiothon as CEO after taking over from longtime leader Brynn Boback-Lane, who served in the role for 26 years. Reflecting on his earlier career as a Saskatchewan Air Ambulance medic, Davies said he has seen firsthand why the hospital’s presence matters.

“I flew with Saskatchewan Air Ambulance, and I was one of the medics who was transporting these kids outside of our province to Edmonton or to other cities that had these services,” he said. “It kind of comes full circle for me that I’m being able to be part of this hospital now that is here.”

Donations can be made online at pattisonchildrens.ca or by calling 1-888-808-KIDS during the two-day Radiothon. Every contribution will have double the impact thanks to a $200,000 matching pledge from the David and Karen Host Family Foundation.

“Whether it’s a small donation or a large donation, they all make a huge difference because we have a matching partner this year,” said Davies. “It makes it so much easier when somebody is thinking about donating $20 and they know it’s going to be 40.”

Davies says the foundation is grateful for the ongoing support from donors, volunteers, and medical staff who make the hospital’s work possible.

“At the end of the day, for us, it’s about families and kids leaving healthy and understanding that their experience in our hospital was one that even though it’s the worst time of their life we’ve done everything we can so that when they leave, they still have some good thoughts and some great memories,” he said.