Everyday Heroes are doing extraordinary things to help our kids at Grand River Hospital! You can help too.

A few years ago, Kitchener Firefighters, The Centre In The Square and Kitchener Knights of Columbus first teamed up to provide toys and electronic devices for kids staying at Grand River Hospital during the Christmas holidays—something they have continued to do every year since.

"It's tough enough for kids to be away from family and friends during the holidays," said Jan-Michael Reyner, Kitchener Firefighter. "Now add a pandemic where visitors are limited, and that makes it even tougher. Toys and electronic devices help kids stay connected and have a little bit of fun. It's part of our firefighters' Everyday Heroes campaign". But their giving doesn't stop there.

"We heard that the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit needed new CPAP machines," said Rob Sonoda, General Manager, The Centre In The Square. "So we called our firefighters and the Knights to help us collect loose change and donations from our concert patrons, filling up 'boots' and 'helmets' in support of the hospital."

During 10 concert events in 2019, they were able to raise the $22,500 needed to buy a new Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine. These machines help premature babies breathe more easily as their lungs mature and develop—they're vital for providing care for babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

"It shows what people can accomplish when they come together to help our community. This really is a partnership made in heaven," said Wayne Curry and Mario Peretti, Kitchener Knights of Columbus.

You can help Grand River Kids by making a donation to the firefighters' Everyday Heroes campaign. Money raised will help buy much needed electronic devices for kids and critical care equipment for Grand River Kids. Donate today!