SIGA/Northern Lights Casino has donated some money to help the Ronald McDonald Family Room provide food for families with babies in the NICU. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

By Susan McNeil

Food for health

NICU families get nutritional boost with SIGA donation

May 31, 2023 | 9:00 AM

The fact that at least 65 per cent of families that end up using the NICU at Victoria Hospital identify as Indigenous was top of mind when the Northern Lights Casino was deciding where to donate some of its revenues.

Richard Ahenakew, the General Manager of the casino, which is operated through the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA), said the amount of Indigenous people that use hospital services like the NICU in Prince Albert is high and the road is difficult for them.

“We’ve always known that a lot of people who are having a tough time at the hospital visiting relatives, especially with their children, have a tough time making ends meet,” he said. “Ronald McDonald House has always held a special place not only in my heart but in our company’s heart.”

The Northern Lights Casino and SIGA are giving $10,000 to the Ronald McDonald Family Room in Prince Albert which will use the money to provide more food to families in the NICU, one floor up.

They also are donating to the Ronald McDonald House in Saskatoon.

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Donations like this are important, said Nadia Balyska, Family Room manager.

The Ronald McDonald Family Room is found next to the children’s ward and gives family members a kitchen to use that comes stocked with sandwiches and snacks and also has a sitting room with a television.

Families with children in the hospital can use the Ronald McDonald Family Room to eat with snacks and some lunches available. (Susan McNeil/paNOW)

Balyksa said they are happy to provide the same items to families with babies in the NICU,

“We try to support our families seven days per week,” she said. Since September of last year, they have made and delivered more than 2,500 lunches and often have homemade baking included.

“Through our programs, we try to ease their stress and financial burdens and make their day easier here and a lot less stressful,” she said.

Easing stress and financial hardship is important to Ahenakew as well. He echoed other statements about family members of sick children not having a private place to cry away from their children.

“We forget how hard your children being sick is. We forget how hard it is on them so a room like this definitely helps,” said Ahenakew.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com