Halifax, NS (November 20, 2024) –The region’s most anticipated fundraising event, the Kent Great Big Dig, came together in a big way for the IWK this past weekend, raising a record-breaking $1,125,087.52. An incredible show of generosity from the construction community and beyond will support the redevelopment of the IWK Emergency Department (ED). The funds raised will help build a new state-of-the-art department, triple in size, that meets the evolving needs of patients and families.
“The Kent Great Big Dig for the IWK has grown to be an event like no other in our community, and it is an honor to be part of it as Chair of the Steering Committee,” says event chair Victoria Stanhope of Stanhope Simpson Insurance. “This year’s “Dig,” as we like to call it, exemplified how incredibly special our construction community here in Atlantic Canada is; all facets of the industry, including competing contractors and suppliers, came together in an atmosphere of palpable comradery and generosity, to meaningfully improve healthcare for women and children. To witness such collective giving and unity on Saturday night at the Halifax Convention Centre was pure magic, and truly emblematic of the power of community.”
The evening kicked off with five community leaders each donating an incredible $100,000 towards this historic grand total. A great big thank you to the Stanhope Family, The Municipal Group of Companies, Greg & Tanya Simpson, Ocean Contractors Limited, and The Stevens Family Foundation for their tremendous leadership and commitment to ensuring world-class emergency care right here at home.
“The generosity, kindness and greatness witnessed during the Great Big Dig was truly humbling. The power of community was on full display, and collectively, donors helped the IWK Foundation exceed its fundraising goal of $26.5 million for the ED redevelopment,” says Jennifer Gillivan, President & CEO, IWK Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful for this outstanding show of support and the construction industry’s commitment to ensuring Maritime patients and families have access to nothing less than the best. A special thank you to Victoria Stanhope and the members of the organizing committee who were the driving force behind this year’s success.”
Funds raised will be used to help purchase essential pieces of equipment for the redeveloped IWK ED. As the only accredited Level 1 pediatric trauma centre east of Quebec, the IWK ED has supported patients and families across the Maritimes for almost 40 years. The department has outgrown its current space, and for the first time in its history is close to exceeding 45,000 annual visits.
Another incredible highlight was the live auction of artwork by five-year-old Baylee, an IWK heart patient, which was re-created in LEGO with the support of the event’s Gold sponsors. The Municipal Group of Companies and Atlantic Road Construction and Paving enthusiastically competed for this special piece of artwork, ultimately coming together with a remarkable collective bid of $100,000.
Once again, the Kent Great Big Dig for the IWK demonstrated the generosity of the Atlantic Canadian construction industry by raising funds for the IWK during an unforgettable evening of food, entertainment, spectacular auction items and prizes. In addition to title sponsor Kent, the Great Big Dig was supported by a multitude of organizations including media sponsor CTV Atlantic. For a full list of event sponsors, please visit www.greatbigdig.ca/sponsors.
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About the IWK Foundation
The IWK Foundation is a champion of excellence in women's and children's health and medicine and works in partnership with IWK Health to support their vision of providing quality care to women, children, youth and families in the Maritimes and beyond. Our donors are passionately committed to making a difference for Maritime families, contributing over $25.2 million in support of the most urgent care priorities at the IWK last year. Funds raised also support the IWK's global leadership in research and knowledge sharing, which in turn improves lives worldwide. Visit www.iwkfoundation.org for more information.
Media Contact:
Sarah Greening
IWK Foundation
P: 902.266.3306
E: sarah.greening@iwkfoundation.org