BHP donates $150,000 for medically inclusive child-care centre in Saskatoon

Saskatoon’s new medically inclusive child-care centre will feature an on-site nursing station thanks to a six-figure donation from BHP.

The mining and metals giant wrote a $150,000 cheque to Hope’s Home this week, with the funding to be used to support the centre that’s slated to open this year.

The charity offers medically inclusive child care, providing a place for children with complex medical needs to learn and grow outside of a hospital setting.

Hope’s Home previously said the Saskatoon centre would feature eight inclusive classrooms with areas for arts and crafts, stories and napping, as well as open play areas that the charity said are “designed to improve a child’s developmental skills.”

The classrooms will also include adaptive equipment for children with complex needs, and the centre is expected to provide care for 144 children from six weeks old up to six years.

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“On-site nursing care, early childhood educators, developmental workers, and physical development consultants will provide Saskatoon families with a safe and inclusive environment where children receive the care they need,” Hope’s Home said in a statement.

The centre will also include two on-site nursing stations, which will be set up with medical supplies and equipment that allow nurses to treat things ranging from complex medical needs to simple bumps and scrapes.

“The nursing stations will provide a safe space where children can be treated in private while keeping them comfortable with child-friendly features like medical dolls and teddy bears that educate and alleviate any stress or fear a child may have,” the charity explained.

The charity is currently working towards an $8-million fundraising goal through its “There’s No Place Like Hope” campaign.

Jacqueline Tisher, founder and CEO of Hope’s Home, said her organization is incredibly grateful for the donation.

“This significant contribution provides one of the nursing stations and supplies which allow us to bring medically inclusive care to families and children in Saskatoon,” Tisher said in a statement.

Karina Gistelinck, asset president of BHP Potash, said it’s often difficult for parents of kids with complex medical needs to find child care.

“We are pleased that we can be a part of making possible the new Hope’s Home centre in Saskatoon – and help provide these much-needed services to more families in the province,” Gistelinck said in a statement.