McHappy Day Cape Breton renovates pediatric toy room, purchases vital equipment
The positive impact of McHappy Day Cape Breton can be found throughout nearly every floor of the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, including the Pediatrics Unit, where a newly renovated toy room was unveiled earlier today.
The toy-room renovation, which was made possible due to funds raised during McHappy Day 2023, includes a bright and cheerful jungle-themed mural, updated cabinetry and storage, sensory toys, general upgrades, and more.
“The Pediatric Unit here at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital sees more than 200 in patient visits per year and 2,500 clinic visits,” says Tara Baker, Clinical Nurse Lead, Pediatrics Unit, Cape Breton Regional Hospital. “Having a welcoming, interactive, and joyful space will help to provide comfort and security to our little patients during what can be isolating and scary times. Thanks to the support from our local McDonald’s and McHappy Day, we now have a playroom equipped to support all our patients of varying needs who can now engage in therapeutic play to assist in their health care journeys.”
Photo 2: A piece of the jungle mural shown in the newly renovated Pediatrics Toy Room, thanks to McHappy Day and local McDonalds. The toy room renovation was completed by Jenna Rae Interiors, and the mural was hand-painted by local artist Kirstie Power.
This year’s McHappy Day took place on May 8, with a goal of supporting equipment purchases for the Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit, and the Family Newborn Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
With the support of thousands of Cape Bretoners, McHappy Day 2024 raised $73,337.53 for the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation. Funds have already been used to purchase the following for the Cape Breton Regional Hospital:
- Bladder Scanner – Used in the Emergency Room to determine bladder volume and need for catheterization. Allows for real-time imaging and helps with accurate and efficient diagnoses.
- Mobile Tele Pack & Endoscopic Video Unit – Used in the Emergency Room, Intensive Care Unit and inpatient care, the mobile nature of this unit ensures that vital ear, nose and throat (ENT) services are readily available when needed in urgent scenarios.
- Blanket Warmer – Used to store and warm blankets, gowns, washcloths, towels, and other linens that keep patients comfortable, warm, and to help ease any anxiety while awaiting health care procedures.
“McHappy Day is a day where we can have meaningful impact on the communities we live in by improving health care services,” says Wayne Kennerknecht, Owner, McDonald’s Cape Breton. “We love seeing all of the community come together on this day – it’s one of our favorites, and to see the progress being made as a result of our efforts is incredible.”
Over 12 years, McHappy Day Cape Breton has raised more than half-a-million-dollars ($525,464) for priority health care needs on the island.
“We are incredibly honoured and grateful to have worked with Wayne and the McDonald’s team for 12 years,” says Paula MacNeil, CEO, Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation. “They have had a profound impact on health care on the island, funding multiple pieces of equipment, facility upgrades, comfort items, and directly supporting patients travelling off-island to specialist appointments. Thank you!”