A coast-to-coast voyage marking one year anniversary of the beginning of construction of the new Canada Shriners Hospital
Exceptional Care Odyssey – meeting patients and Shriners in their communities
“The Exceptional Care Odyssey (was) an opportunity to inform parents from coast-to-coast about the specialized orthopaedic care provided to infants, children and teens for such conditions as scoliosis, brittle bone disease, club feet, hip dysplasia, leg length discrepancies and cerebral palsy,” reported hospital Board member James Templeton. The Odyssey (gave) us an opportunity to talk about the ties we have with local children’s hospital with whom we partner to ensure patients receive the highest quality care available in their own community, and when needed at the Canada Shriners Hospital.
The Exceptional Care Odyssey, which was made possible thanks to the support of the Shrine Fraternity, Cam Clark Ford, MEGA Brands and the Air Canada Foundation, kicked off May 13th on a 66-day whirlwind car trip. A red Ford Explorer decorated like a Shriner’s Fez, tassel and all, left from Shriners Hospital for Children-Canada and traveled to Atlantic Canada, the north eastern United States, eastern Canada and all the way to British Columbia where the voyage culminated in Victoria last week. Altogether the Odyssey covered over 17-thousand kilometers, hundreds of Shriners, 55 cities and towns, more than 40 patient representatives and their families, 17 Shrine Temples, 8 parades, 2 countries and 1 red car dressed as a Fez.
Exceptional Care for Kids Campaign recognizes MEGA Brands
MEGA Brands is sharing their commitment to Shriners Hospitals for Children – Canada, which will be recognized in the main play area of the new hospital. “MEGA Brands is thrilled to partner with Shriners Hospitals for Children in support of their remarkable efforts with kids in our communities. We are excited to introduce our limited edition Mega Bloks Shriners Block Buddy toy to help fundraise, and offer Shriners families a fun, colorful and creative building playroom in the new hospital,” explained, MEGA Brands spokesperson Bisma Ansari.
Construction Update
Construction officially began on April 15, 2013 and is currently 35% complete and on budget. While extreme cold weather slowed down the concrete pours in December and January, the team began the mechanical, electrical and plumbing work inside the structure in the two basement levels and ground floor. The concrete structure of the building was completed on February 28, 2014, including the roof or seventh floor “penthouse” which is the main building utilities room. All of the pieces of large equipment, were delivered prior to the last of the two cranes being removed this past weekend. According to Jerry Gantt, Liaison Officer for Shriners Hospitals for Children responsible for the construction of the new hospital, the goal is to enclose the structure, complete the installation of the curtain wall, insulation and windows by next fall so inside work can proceed during the winter.