Pennies for Pediatrics extended

The Health Sciences North volunteer association's Pennies for Pediatrics campaign is being extended.

The six-month campaign to raise $100,000 was launched in May 2012 and was slated to wrap up Dec. 31, the day the penny was due to go out of circulation. A decision to keep the penny in circulation until February prompted organizers of the campaign to extend Pennies For Pediatrics.

“We really want to hit that $100,000 mark and this extra time should help up in that goal,” said Cliff Richardson, president of the Volunteer Association, in a press release.

“We’ve had wonderful support so far from businesses, organizations, schools, and individuals, and we’d like to encourage everyone to dig around and bring us their change so we achieve our goal and raise money for children’s care at Health Sciences North.”

Oct. 23-28 will be Pennies For Pediatrics Week at the New Sudbury Centre. A number of events are planned, including a Halloween costume contest and a toddler race.

Prizes will be awarded, including scholarship prizes for the winners of the toddler race.

"New Sudbury Centre is delighted to host the upcoming Pennies For Pediatrics Week and encourage the community to come out and support this event,” said Brenda Folz, marketing director of the New Sudbury Centre.

“We believe the current services and projects underway at the hospital truly impact the quality of life for all those living in our region. We encourage everyone to come visit during P4P week at New Sudbury Centre to explore the many serviced the centre offers. And don’t forget to drop off your pennies.”

“RBC is proud to continue our support of Pennies For Pediatrics,” Faith Salmaso, branch manager of the Sudbury Main Branch of RBC Royal Bank, said.

“The upcoming Toddler Races are a fun and engaging way to involve our community in the fundraising efforts for the therapy pool at HSN. We are proud to donate a total of $1000 in RESP scholarships to the winning toddlers.”

Funds raised through the Pennies For Pediatrics campaign will be used to convert the existing therapeutic pool at HSN into a Snoezelen Pool. A Snoezelen Pool has special lighting and other sensory equipment used for therapeutic treatment for children with development challenges.

“The Snoezelen Pool will be of tremendous benefit to children with special developmental needs,” Dr. Sean Murray, pediatrician and medical director of HSN’s Family and Child Program, said. “We’re very grateful this campaign has been launched to fund this initiative and I’d encourage everyone to give what they can.”