Heather Prosser is a Social Worker in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Nadia Williams is a Professional Practice Chief of Social Work at the IWK Health Centre
IWK social worker Heather Prosser talks with a family in her office at the IWK.
Every day, social workers at the IWK have the opportunity to work with patients and their families during some of their most difficult times.
As social workers we support families and assist them in finding the necessary resources to enable them to cope with the overwhelming stressors associated with having an ill child. The financial burden of having to make frequent visits to the hospital for on-going care puts a huge strain on young families.
It is through generous donations from individual donors and corporate citizens who care about IWK patients and families, that provide some relief to these struggling families. It is in this spirit, that we would like to take an opportunity to recognize and thank Irving Oil for their Fuel the Care Program. Thanks to this program, every year for the past 10 years, $50,000 worth of Irving Oil gas cards have been distributed to families in need who receive care at the IWK.
Every year around Telethon time, Irving Oil makes their donation of fuel cards. The cards are distributed by IWK social workers, like us, to families in the most need of assistance. From there, families use them to fill up on gas at reduced costs, to make their travel between home and the IWK that much easier. The cards are well-used and they make a big difference.
For thousands of families, having assistance with their fuel costs has given them one less thing to worry about at a time when the worry over the health of their child is overwhelming enough.
Irving Oil, you are a wonderful partner. The fact that you created this program is a testament to your sincere regard for Maritime families. Thank you just does not seem enough after 10 years of generosity and support. On behalf of the many patients, moms, dads, grandparents and more who have received your help, thank you, thank you, thank you.
my granddaughter Kalie is at the IWK .without the help from Irving oil fuel the care program it would put a lot of stress on my our family to go see her .See we live in Geary New Brunswick ..keep up the good work .
Thank you for sharing your story Lorrie. All the best to you and your family!
This is a marvelous program as it helps so many young families travel between their home province and the IWK….We were lucky enough to benefit from the great services that are offered to families that have children staying in your facility for treatments that are not offered in PEI and are very lucky to be enjoying our delightful little grandson, son, and nephew,,,,who was born three months before his due date….Thank you IWK! and Irving…
Thank you for sharing your story Karen! Best wishes to you and your family on the island!
If your family has participated in Irving Oil’s Fuel the Care Program and are interested in sharing your story with us, please contact Erin Despres at erin.despres@iwk.nshealth.ca. We are always looking for IWK stories to share with families across the Maritimes. Thank you so much for your support!