The B.C. Ministry of Health has provided Friends of Children with a one-time grant of $25,000, announced East Kootenay MLA Bill Bennett today.

This funding will help the society to continue the services it provides to Northern B.C. and East Kootenay families in need of assistance with out-of-province care.

“Families from the East Kootenay are so far from Vancouver, their children are usually not referred to BC Children’s Hospital,” said Bennett May 2. “This makes it very challenging for many families who must go to Calgary to secure the medical care needed by their children. This grant will really help these families.”

“It can be reassuring for parents to know that if their child needs out-of-province care, the costs of that care will be covered,” added Health Minister Terry Lake. “For these families, accommodation and travel can add financial stress at an already stressful time, which is why organizations like Friends of Children help by providing B.C. families with both financial and emotional support.”

The Ministry of Health’s primary concern is ensuring British Columbians receive the health care they need, wherever they are in Canada. This funding helps to ensure that children in border communities, such as in Northeastern B.C. or the East Kootenay, can choose to go to Alberta for surgical and diagnostic services, and still maintain the support of family.

Friends of Children is a non-profit society that assists Northern B.C. and East Kootenay families with children who have extraordinary medical need. Each year, the registered charity receives over 200 requests for support with children’s medical emergencies, therapies, specialized equipment, drug prescriptions as well as out-of-town accommodation, meal and travel costs.

For more information: www.friendsofchildren.ca

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