The Minot Area Community Foundation, through the Power of the Purse and the Bremer Community Impact Funds, presented $2,500 in grant fundting to Trinity Health's Pediatric Unit Wednesday. The funds will go to purchase new gaming systems for the unit a Wii console, PlayStation 3 console, and an XBox 360 console.
"We submitted a grant application to the Minot Area Community Foundation, and we were so fortunate that the Power of the Purse and the Bremer Impact Fund were excited about our project," said Amy Moen, director for the Trinity Health Foundation.
"Last year we had 650 children on the unit, and we expect it to increase. The kids need something to do when they're in the hospital, and the timing is perfect with Christmas right around the corner," she added.
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Katina Tengesdal/MDN
The Minot Area Community Foundation was able to grant $2,500 to Trinity Health’s Pediatric Unit through the Power of the Purse Fund and the Bremer Community Impact Fund. Pictured left to right is Ken Kitzman, president of the Minot Area Community Foundation; Brent Mattson, president of Bremer Bank; Amy Moen, director of the Trinity Health Foundation; Wendy Strietzel, RN for Trinity Health; Jane Olson, RN for Trinity Health; and members of the Power of the Purse Fund.
The children hospitalized in Trinity's Pediatric Unit are between the ages of 1 year to 17 years, and are hospitalized for an average of three days.
"It will have a positive impact. The kids are used to having their games at home, and we're always looking for ways to distract them from uncomfortable situations," said registered nurse Jane Olson.
"It can work great as a reward, too, to motivate the kids. It's great for the kids, and we know that as soon as they know the games are there, they will be asking for them," said registered nurse Wendy Strietzel.
Nurses will purchase frequently requested games for the systems using grant funds, Moen said, and they should be available in the Pediatric Unit within the next two weeks.