Gene Pidwerbesky’s gift inspired the ‘Harvest For Kids’ Health’ program
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
Gene Pidwerbesky (seated in light blue shirt) surrounded by members of his family and hospital representatives. Jim Pattison Children's Hospital photo.
A Borden, Sask. farmer supported a children’s hospital to help young patients access the equipment and care they need.
Gene Pidwerbesky donated $1.98 million to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.
The donation also inspired the ‘Harvest For Kids’ Health’ program, which helps purchase urgently needed equipment for maternal and pediatric health care at the hospital.
“Kids now more than ever need to live the life to they deserve to the fullest, and that’s what this gift is about,” Pidwerbesky said in a statement. “Kids don’t know what is happening to them or why. Being in a hospital is hard enough for an adult, but these kids are hurting, and need the best options available.”
His idea to support health care in Saskatchewan came after he spent some time in the system.
Pidwebesky suffered a life-altering farming accident about one year ago and spent multiple months receiving care.
“While going through this process, and spending four months in our hospitals, it wasn’t lost on him the urgent need for additional resources in our province,” Jaclyn Baum, Gene’s daughter, said in a Facebook post. “It is our hope that one day all children can receive the care they need right here in Saskatchewan.”
This generous donation will go a long way in supporting families, said Brynn Boback-Lane, president and CEO of the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation.
“A ‘harvest’ heartfelt thank you to Gene and his family for this generous commitment to the mothers that will give new life and to the children who deserve to live their very best,” she said in a statement.
The Pidwerbesky family name will also have a place inside the hospital.
The blue Moose pod within the hospital’s pediatric outpatient clinic will be named after Gene and the family.