Organizers of the second annual Palladino Auto Group Golf Classic for NEO Kids hope to surpass the $100,000 they raised last year to improve pediatric care in northeastern Ontario.
“From a charitable standpoint it aligns really well with the needs of the community, but also with our history in the community,” said Vince Palladino, president of the Palladino Auto Group, which has spearheaded the fundraiser with the NEO Kids Foundation.
“As a father of three, every one of my children has gone through some sort of situation where they've had to consult with Dr. (Sean) Murray and his team. When you do have children who are in need of services you realize how important and critical it is to the community.”
The event will help support the hospital's $49-million plan for a standalone outpatient pediatric centre that would expand the services currently on offer at the hospital and reduce the number of trips northerners make to other parts of the province for medical care.
When it prepared its case for NEO Kids for the North East LHIN, Health Sciences North determined that 3,900 children from northeastern Ontario leave the region for medical care each year.
The hospital has said those children and their families make 10,000 trips per year, and having more outpatient services available in Sudbury could greatly reduce that number.
Chantelle Hamel said NEO Kids has already helped reduce the number of trips her son Rowan needs to make to Toronto for medical appointments.
Rowan has severe anaphylactic allergies to milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame seeds and soy. Thanks to expanded clinics in Sudbury he can do allergy tests closer to home.
NEO Kids pediatrician Dr. Chantal Corbeil said frequent travel adds another layer of stress for families.
With more services available in Sudbury those families could forego that stress and the toll frequent travel can have on a sick child.
This year's Palladino Auto Group Golf Classic for NEO Kids will take place July 28, 2016 at the Idywylde Golf and Country Club.
The tournament has already sold out, but the NEO Kids Foundation is still looking for volunteers to assist with the day's events.
For more information on volunteer opportunities, email: [email protected].
