December 28, 2023 – In the hustle of a challenging day, the little things matter most. That’s why the William Osler Health System Foundation is reminding people of the Compassion Carts program, providing a boost to our Health Care Heroes who tirelessly serve our community.
At each Osler site, respite rooms offer a sanctuary for staff to grab beverages, treats, wellness resources, or a moment of quiet. Managers can also sign-out compassion carts and make short shifts to deliver snacks and drinks directly to their teams.
Kiran Patel, Clinical Services Manager for Cardiac Diagnostics and Cardiac Rehab, shares the impact of these small gestures. “When I come around with the cart, the thing I hear is, ‘You have no idea how much I needed this.’ It may be just that bottle of water or bubbly water—it just perks them up, gives them that little boost of energy to get through the day.”
During busy shifts, staying hydrated and healthy isn’t always easy. The continuous demands of the strained healthcare system can leave staff exhausted, making respite initiatives like these crucial to keeping our Health Care Heroes Osler Strong.
“It’s not just the consumption of the food,” Kiran emphasizes. “It’s that moment to say, ‘I’m thinking about you. I know today’s busy, so we’re bringing the respite room to you.’ It’s knowing they can pause for that brief time to think about themselves.”
With each compassion cart round taking about 30 minutes, Kiran attests to the significant impact. “It’s not a whole lot of time out of my day, but I see what a difference it makes. It puts a smile on their face, and they really appreciate and look forward to it.”
Your donations to the Osler Foundation’s Compassion Fund directly support the urgent needs of our Health Care Heroes. This includes wellness and respite resources, alongside equipment needs across Osler’s three sites, ensuring our heroes have the tools they need to provide compassionate care. If you choose, you can direct your gift to “Food for Health Care Heroes” on the donation form.
Kiran expresses her gratitude to donors, saying, “The compassion cart feels like a little gift in the middle of a long, drawn-out siege. For a moment, we can step out of our roles and choose something that someone else has sent to us to help keep our energy and spirits up. Thank you for the much-needed reprieve on days we need it most.”
Call to Action:
Be a Hero to Our Health Care Heroes – Donate to Osler’s Compassion Fund at the Foundation Website.
Donations made before January 1st will allow you to get a 2023 tax receipt while being matched dollar for dollar by Steve Robinson, Chair of the Osler Foundation’s Board, doubling the impact of every contribution. This means that if you donate today, your gift will have twice the effect in helping transform Peel Memorial and enhancing healthcare services in the community.
Your support keeps Osler Strong.