A change of clothes goes a long way for patients in need at HSC
Jakson Tempe* was rushed into surgery when he arrived at HSC Winnipeg’s Emergency Department. His surgery was unexpected, but ultimately a success. However, it was the aftercare that truly touched his heart. Tempe was alone in his hospital bed and would be for several days after his surgery. Without any friends or loved ones in Winnipeg, Tempe didn’t have anyone to bring him a change of clothes to wear home. Thanks to the HSC Clothing Depot, Tempe was able to find a new outfit to replace the ruined one he was wearing when rushed to HSC.
“The medical care is important, and we want to complement it by humanizing a patient’s stay at HSC,” says Diana Peixoto, Administrator of Volunteer Resources. “The Patient Comforts Fund allows us to do that by buying shoes, socks, and clothing for patients who don’t have these necessities.”
Winter weather is here and the demand for warm clothing is higher than ever. The Clothing Depot receives new and used clothing donations from community members and organizations, but those donations aren’t enough to meet the demand, especially as temperatures plummet.
“There is always a gap in the donations we receive for what patients need. It could be a coat for a larger patient, or a pair of size 17 shoes, but we are always in need of something. That is where donor dollars make the biggest impact,” says Peixoto.
Winter clothing, new socks, and new underwear are consistently in demand, yet they are among the least donated items. Donor support allows HSC to purchase the latest in-demand necessities.
“We got a massive donation of new socks five years ago, and we are reaching the end of it,” says Peixoto. “If it wasn’t for that donation, I’m not sure what we would have done.”
Further, for some patients who receive care at HSC, the inability to have a shirt to put on, have shoes to tie, or pants to button can be considered a barrier to discharge. Occupational therapists work with those patients, and the clothes they receive, to relearn how to dress themselves post-accident or illness.
Hundreds of patients from all walks of life use the Clothing Depot every year. HSC’s Emergency Department alone requires use of the Clothing Depot so frequently and urgently, that they have created their own Clothing Depot—although the clothing stock is always low.
November 28, 2023, is Giving Tuesday, a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. To help purchase winter clothing for patients at HSC Winnipeg, please click here and select “HSC Patient Comforts Fund” from the drop-down menu, or call us at 204-515-5612 or 1-800-679-8493 (toll-free).
You can also donate by texting HSCF to 20222 to donate $25. Text-in donations will be matched up to $5,000 by Manitoba pork producers. (Tax receipts will be issued via Mobile Giving Foundation.)
*Name and case details have been modified.
By Andrew Lysack