Lions of Nova Scotia raise money for IWK

Donation will pay for upgrades to outpatient treatment centre

The Lions of Nova Scotia presented their check to IWK representatives from Halifax at a ceremony in Truro on April 27, after months of fundraising. From left: The Lion’s Melvin Bray, IWK director of children's health Stacy Burgess, her colleague Elizabeth Schurman and the Lion’s district governor Perry Oliver. FRAM DINSHAW/TRURO NEWS - Fram Dinshaw

TRURO, N.S. – Sick children from across the Maritimes can rest a little easier thanks to a generous donation from the Lions of Nova Scotia.
At a special ceremony in Truro Saturday, the IWK was presented with $22,000 raised by Lions members, which will allow the Halifax hospital to buy new TVs and paint murals on the walls of its outpatient oncology and haematology clinic.
“It means a lot,” said Stacy Burgess, director of children’s health for the IWK. “It’s going to help us change the way we are able to provide care in our current clinic rooms and help improve our facility.”
Burgess’ colleague Elizabeth Schurman said the clinic in Halifax receives about 1,500 patient visits per year, with 50 new oncology diagnoses annually.
The oncology and haematology clinic serves children from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, who live with cancer or blood conditions requiring regular treatment sessions.
New amenities to help keep children entertained during often-gruelling chemotherapy, as well as wider doors to allow easier transport of beds, will help the IWK in its goal of treating patients and families with care and comfort.
“It makes us feel so humble to be the recipients for this award,” said Burgess.
The Lions of Nova Scotia began fundraising efforts for the clinic last July and were finally ready to hand the money over to the IWK on April 27.
Perry Oliver, the Lions’ district governor, said sick children will now “reap the benefits.”
“This project was something I wanted to see done this year and with the help of the clubs in Nova Scotia, we were able to raise the $22,000 for this treatment facility.”