P.E.I. man's drive to raise money for NICU is a success
A P.E.I. man's wish to help raise enough money to support babies in need of treatment in a local hospital has now come true.
After seeing his niece's baby in the neonatal intensive care unit, Doug MacDougall, 68 of Prince Edward Island knew he wanted to help other babies in need. MacDougall's niece, Shannon Moore said her daughter Ruth had to use a biliblanket lights for her jaundice when she was born.
But before her uncle could put his words into action, he passed away in July. Luckily, his family found an article that he left behind with notes that helped them pursue his wishes.
"The article was about biliblankets. The Queen Elizabeth Hospital foundation put out an article that said that biliblankets were $6,000 a piece," said Moore.
"It had my name on the top of it, Nelsons and with a little note that said 100 men, with $100 dollars would equal $10,000 dollars."
Based on a note he left behind, MacDougall wanted to gather up 100 men that would donate $100 each, which would be enough money to pay for biliblankets and other special equipment needed for the hospital's NICU.
The hospital's NICU nurse manager, Kathy Larter, said the blanket allows mothers and baby to spend time together.
"They used to have to lay in a hard bed and get the light then and it kept mom and baby apart but this way they can stay together."
MacDougall's long-time friend Dave Gillis said he would share his perspective with anyone that would listen.
"He really pushed for men to take a broader role in that overall idea and the experience Shannon had, the need for equipment to support her situation offered a great opportunity in Doug's mind," said Gillis.
At the time, MacDougall said the hospital only had two of those blankets. Now with the funds raised, it will be enough to pay for neonatal cots and other specialized equipment.
In a matter of days, the online fundraiser in Doug's memory surpassed its goal and has raised $15,575 for the neonatal unit.
"He just went above and beyond for others and I think that's what people have done in donating. I think that is a beautiful thing because it shows and speaks to who Doug was as a person," said Moore.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
On federal budget, Macklem says 'fiscal track has not changed significantly'
Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem says Canada's fiscal position has 'not changed significantly' following the release of the federal government's budget.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
Vicious attack on a dog ends with charges for northern Ont. suspect
Police in Sault Ste. Marie charged a 22-year-old man with animal cruelty following an attack on a dog Thursday morning.
The Body Shop Canada explores sale as demand outpaces inventory: court filing
The Body Shop Canada is exploring a sale as it struggles to get its hands on enough inventory to keep up with "robust" sales after announcing it would file for creditor protection and close 33 stores.
Tropical fish stolen from Beachburg, Ont. restaurant found and returned
Ontario Provincial Police have landed a suspect following a fishy theft in Beachburg, Ont.