Sherry Anderson presented the Victoria Hospital Foundation with a $58,000 cheque on behalf of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation. (Submitted photo/Victoria Hospital Foundation)

By Jeff D’Andrea

Schmirler the Curler's foundation helping the NICU

Victoria Hospital’s new NICU gets big bump from Sandra Schmirler Foundation

Jun 4, 2021 | 8:00 AM

The Saskatchewan curling world gave the Victoria Hospital Foundation a much-needed bump for its new Malhotra NICU.

The Sandra Schmirler Foundation donated $58,000 for a new infant ventilator for the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Accomplished Prince Albert curler Sherry Anderson, who represented Saskatchewan at this past Scotties Tournament of Hearts, presented the cheque on behalf of the late Sanda Schmirler, a late Saskatchewan curling legend herself.

Victoria Hospital Foundation CEO Sherry Buckler said the donation for the new ventilator will save the lives of newborn babies, especially those born sick or premature.

“It’s actually critically important. Everything from furniture to live-saving equipment is needed for the new Malhotra NICU,” Buckler said. “Something as important as an infant ventilator can come down to life and death for some of these babies being born in our hospital. So, it’s extremely important and we’re unbelievably grateful for the Sandra Schmirler Foundation for making this generous donation to our community.”

Buckler said the construction of the new NICU is “well underway,” as the framing is done and workers are getting started on the drywalling. Buckler added everything looks to be on track to be completed by late in the fall this year.

Crime

P.A. security guard robbed and stabbed, one person arrested

17h ago

Eyes on the prize

P.A.'s Zablocki and team finish group stage perfect at U18 women's hockey worlds

20h ago

Show of support

Traditions remain but fewer Ukrainian-Canadians celebrate Christmas in January

Jan 07, 2025

“We’re all getting really excited and it’s long overdue,” Buckler said.

Over $770,000 has been raised thus far from the community.

“The Sandra Schmirler Foundation is thrilled to be supporting the purchase of life-saving equipment for fragile babies in northern Saskatchewan,” Ian Cunningham, Chair of the Sandra Schmirler Foundation, said in a statement. “The Foundation’s dream is that all babies born too soon, too small or too sick will be cared for in a NICU equipped with state-of-the-art life-saving equipment close to their homes, family, and friends.”

Schmirler won gold for Canada in the 1998 Winter Olympics, the first year that women’s curling was a medal sport at the Olympics. She also won three World Championships and Three Scotties Tournament of Hearts, representing Saskatchewan. Schmirler died in 2000 at the age of 36 due to cancer. The Sandra Schmirler Foundation raises funds to purchase equipment for NICUs across Canada.

–

Jeff.dandrea@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW