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Southern Â鶹ӳ»­ Bikers raise $2,500 for children and adolescents

Story & photo by Sherri Gallant

A donation from southern Â鶹ӳ»­ motorcycle enthusiasts has Chinook Regional Hospital staff excitedly drafting a pediatrics wish list.

Typically each fall, members of the Southern Â鶹ӳ»­ Bikers association fill the hospital¡¯s storeroom with toys from their annual Southern Â鶹ӳ»­ Toy Run, says Jodie Anderson-de Boer, a child life specialist who works in the hospital¡¯s Pediatric Unit and CAMP (Children & Adolescent Mental Health Program).

¡°But this year, because of the COVID pandemic, they decided instead of buying toys they would give us a cash donation so we could decide what to get,¡± she adds.

¡°This $2,500 cheque is the largest donation we¡¯ve received from the group. When we get cash donations, they¡¯re often used to replenish art supplies for our patients, and other materials that we go through a lot of. A donation of this size requires more thought, and we do have lots of ideas for what we might spend it on. We¡¯re so grateful to the Southern Â鶹ӳ»­ Bikers for their generosity.¡±

Dallas Harty, president of Southern Â鶹ӳ»­ Bikers, says 2021 marked the 40th year for the Toy Run, which raises funds for a variety of local causes.

Harty and two associates presented a ceremonial cheque in November to Anderson-de Boer and her colleague Brandi Emes, with funds going to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, earmarked to pay for non-clinical items for the unit.

¡°Our event was really successful this year,¡± says Harty. ¡°Child Life Services here at the hospital is always on our list ¡ª and we¡¯re excited to find out what they end up spending the money on for the kids.¡±

Anderson-de Boer says her wish list includes sensory items like weighted blankets, a projector, bubble tube, fidget and manipulative textiles, large gym mats, a therapy swing and foam blocks to create a sensory corner.

Anyone who wishes to donate money to pediatrics, to the CAMP program or to any department at Chinook Regional Hospital should connect directly with the CRH Foundation, 403-388-6001, or .