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ANNUAL REPORT

2018 – 2019

We are proud to report the impact of our donors’ dollars to BC’s respiratory frontline.

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    From the Board Chair and Executive Director

    We write this, hoping each of you stays safe during these challenging times. We are grateful for the opportunity to reach out to loyal donors like you, recognizing the exceptional difficulties we currently face in our communities and across the country. […]

    From the Board Chair and Executive Director

    (continued...)

    The COVID-19 pandemic has put in perspective just how important and essential it is to have access to life-saving respiratory equipment. Now more than ever, our frontline medical heroes need our support.

    With your help, we are proud to say that TB Vets has provided approximately 20 ventilators/year since 1980 to address the urgent need for respiratory equipment throughout British Columbia. That’s approximately 36,500 patients a year whose care has been delivered with support from loyal donors like you.

    Through the stories in this Annual Report, we share the transformational impact TB Vets has made on health care in BC. You will read about the TB Unit at VGH and how Courtney Knight is transforming care for TB patients in long-term care. You will read about the generosity of our loyal donors, some of them donating to TB Vets for over forty years. You will learn about baby Virk and the respiratory equipment that saved his fragile life. These are just a few examples of our mission that are making a difference in the lives of hundreds of British Columbians.

    We are grateful to the thousands of British Columbians who invest so generously, year after year, in the programs, the people and the tools and technologies that, one gift at a time, are transforming the healthcare of respiratory patients in our province.

    Last year, because of your generosity, we were able to grant just over $800,000 to British Columbia Hospitals, First Responders, Researchers and Education.

    Looking to the future, we know that our unique mission, “Respiratory Health for all British Columbians” will bring the value of philanthropy to the vital transformation of healthcare. Together, our talented and committed team, Board of Directors along with you – our passionate and awe-inspiring donors – will continue to accelerate us towards a future of innovative respiratory care for British Columbians now, and in the future.

     

    With sincerest gratitude,

     

     

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    Financials

    TB Vets is proud to report that in 2018-19 the Foundation’s cost per dollar was 23 cents (excluding community awareness and public engagement), which is lower than the industry average of 25 cents.

    Thanks to our donors, our 2018-19 consolidated revenue, including investments, totalled $1,593,773. Together with our donors and supporters, we have made a direct and significant impact on health care in our province.

    The following financial highlights are based on TB Vets Foundation’s audited financial statements for our fiscal year ending September 30, 2019.

    View Financial Highlights
    View Complete List of 2019 Respiratory Grant Recipients
    I was a NICU nurse so I know how important ventilators are.
    Lois CasselsTB Vets donor for 22 years
    My father and mother were both Veterans, and instilled me with the obligation at a young age to donate to this worthy cause. Over the years, they have had their keys returned as well, and so have I. I applaud your ongoing efforts to make a difference.
    Paul HeadTB Vets donor for 23 years
    “I donate in honour of my mother, who was a war bride and suffered from TB. My siblings and I were only 2, 4 and 8 at the time. After her treatment, she came home from the sanitarium and was always attentive to our needs and disease prevention. I remember every family member had a different colour plate, and mom would always wash hers last. As a child, I was mindful when mom would cough, but she lived a long and healthy life and passed away at 91.”
    Diana GreenwoodTB Vets donor for 23 years
    “I grew up in the vicinity of Pearson Hospital in Vancouver in the ‘60s, and as a student would visit patients using iron lungs. It made a lifelong impression so when I first became aware of TB Vets, I wanted to donate.”
    Teresa NesbittTB Vets donor for 23 years
    “My grandfather was exposed to mustard gas during WWI and suffered respiratory problems for the rest of his life. He has always been in my thoughts when I donate to TB Vets.”
    John ParminterTB Vets donor for 23 years
    “I firmly believe it is imperative that we all reach out and help, no matter one’s circumstances. I was a single mom all my life and still tried to support causes I believe in, like TB Vets. I always promoted the fact to my daughter that every donation can make a huge difference in people’s lives. When I donate to TB Vets it is like giving “breath” to those who struggle daily. I believe in your Foundation and will continue to give as respiratory illness is still affecting people of all ages.”
    Gloria RobertsonTB Vets donor for 23 years
    “TB Vets does great work and the need won't stop anytime soon!”
    Julie RuddTB Vets donor, 20-29 Years
    “I have a special interest in TB, and although I did not have respiratory TB, I had TB of the spine at 13 and was in an orthopaedic children's hospital for TB for 18 months. The cause was bovine from unpasteurized milk. TB Vets’ hard work is much appreciated.”
    Eileen GarveyTB Vets donor, 10-19 Years
    “We’ve had keys returned a few times. The most memorable were keys dropped in the snow in a parking lot in Prince George, and while hiking with our dog in the hills above Penticton. We appreciate the work done by TB Vets in regards to respiratory health, and having a proven key return program is a bonus.”
    Jack and Jackie KlerTB Vets donor, 10-19 Years
    “My father, Dr. George Saxton, was very instrumental in TB research, surgery and control at the Willow Chest Centre at Vancouver General Hospital until his retirement in 1973. That is why I contribute to TB Vets.”
    Jane SaxtonTB Vets donor for 10 years
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    Research

    Tuberculosis Research

    "The generosity of TB Vets has helped us achieve significant progress in understanding TB and we have subsequently become one of the leading TB research laboratories in the world.”

    Dr. Yossef Av-Gay, VGH/UBC
    Read Dr. Av-Gay's Updates

    Respiratory Research

    "For critically ill or injured patients, mechanical ventilation can be a life-saving intervention. However, it comes with its own risks and complications. With our TB Vets-funded research, we are trying to push the envelope and find ways to prevent the potential harms associated with breathing machines.”

    Dr. Steve Reynolds, RCH / SFU

    TB Recreation Therapy

    Recreation Therapy is important in maintaining the social, emotional and cognitive wellness of patients struggling with serious health conditions. TB Vets recognizes the need for meaningful leisure of TB patients; They are commonly isolated for months on end, unable to do their usual routine and spend time outside with loved ones. With the help of donors, TB Vets is able to support the TB Unit at Vancouver General Hospital. 

    Read Updates

    Respiratory Equipment

    TB-Vets-and-Langley-Memorial-Hospital

    A Better Start For Premature Newborns

    Newborn babies who struggle to breathe at Langley Memorial Hospital are given a better start, thanks to the generosity of TB Vets donors. Neonatal respiratory …

    Baby Finnegan and mom Cheryl Stevenson, BC Women's Hospital

    Baby Finnegan

    Even with Cheryl Stevenson’s nursing background, there is nothing that prepared her for the trauma, stress, and anxiety of the premature birth of her son …

    Baby Virk with mom

    Baby Virk’s Story

    For most people, breathing is automatic. It happens continuously and without much effort. In the time it takes to read this first paragraph, most people …

    TB Vets Joins the Frontlines in the Backcountry

    Your donations to TB Vets help medical heroes save lives, not only in the confines of hospital rooms but also out in the far-off, unpredictable …

    Education

    $ 450000

    Total amount funded by TB Vets since 1987 towards Respiratory Education at Thompson Rivers University (TRU)

    Number of Respiratory Therapy students graduating this year and eagerly entering the workforce. Our new RTs are needed more than ever.

    TB Vets has allowed us to teach the students with the most up-to-date equipment, the same equipment they will see in their clinical practice, which in the long run, will improve patient safety. TB Vets has also donated funds to purchase simulation equipment allowing students to practice life-saving procedures and become more confident and skilled. TB Vets is an integral part of the education of respiratory therapists in BC.”

    Heather Noyes, Academic Coordinator and Lecturer, Respiratory Therapy

    Board of Directors, 2019-2020

    Robert Underhill
    Chair

    Amar Tiwana

    Katherine Young

    Barb Walter Venne
    Vice Chair

    Danny Redden

    Dan London

    Gordon Coburn
    Secretary / Treasurer

    Sheila Hamilton

    Retired Board Members:
    Peter Merola, Lizz Lindsay, Al Delucrezia

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