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The Giraffe machine that will be purchased and installed at VJH following a successful spring fundraiser. (Image Credit: VJH Foundation)
By Liam Verster
Essential Equipment

New infant care machine coming to Vernon following successful fundraiser

Jun 11, 2026 | 1:47 PM

Vernon Jubilee Hospital will be getting a new piece of equipment to treat premature and critically ill babies.

The Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation (VJH Foundation) raised over $135,000 through its spring fundraiser and will be using the money to purchase a Giraffe.

A Giraffe involves state-of-the-art incubators that stabilize a baby’s body temperature, acts as an isolation bay to protect against infection and exposure to lights and sounds, and is quipped with infant-sized resuscitation tools.

“We’re truly grateful for everyone who supported our goal of giving VJH’s tiniest patients the best start possible,” Kate McBrearty, executive director of VJH Foundation, said.

“It was heartwarming to hear donors share stories of grandchildren born early who are now healthy teens; of gifts given to honour family members who worked in VJH pediatrics. But my favourite might have been a cheque simply marked ‘for the Giraffe’ – straight to the point.”

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The foundation noted this piece of equipment was especially needed as VJH is the third-busiest hospital in the Interior, and saw over 800 babies born there through 2025.

This will be the second Giraffe in operation at VJH once purchased and installed.

Among the contributions collected during the spring fundraiser was $34,364 through the Tim Horton’s Smile Cookies campaign, $20,000 in matching gifts from an anonymous donor, and $10,000 from Gord and Linda Ball.

“We are continually awed by the heart and dedication of our community,” McBrearty said.

“Together, we aren’t just meeting healthcare needs – we are ensuring that the next generation gets the strongest, healthiest start possible.”

—

by Liam Verster
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