Jim Pattison Children's Hospital

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The Treats & Treasures Cart, provided through the partnership between Kindred Foundation and The EVAN Foundation, is a program designed to bring joy and brighten the day of children who are going through cancer treatment and their families. 

The Cart is filled with a wide assortment of toys, healthy snacks, candy, chocolate and other fun items. It is taken around to oncology/hematology patients in the hospitals once a week and is available daily in the clinic. Patients and their families can choose what they would like from the cart at no cost. 

Stories from the Cart: 

“Teen patients have been pleasantly surprised that there is, in fact, something for them on the cart! They loved the headphones, gift cards, slime kits, and craft kits.”

“One family took a game one week, and the next week, they talked about how much they had enjoyed playing it over the course of the week.”

“One patient’s mother was just a few days postpartum and was overjoyed to be offered a KitKat; she told the team she had been craving it for days and was extremely grateful.” 

“The team can always tell that the kids enjoy being able to choose their own and that it is something just for them. Caregivers are also always surprised and grateful when we tell them snack items are for them too!”

How do I find more information about the Treats & Treasures Cart?

If you would like more information about the Treats & Treasures Cart program, please contact us and we would love to talk to you.  Here are some highlights:

• Kindred Foundation and The EVAN Foundation purchase the custom medical-grade Cart and provide a yearly stipend to purchase everything that is needed to keep the Cart stocked with treats, treasures, and other fun items.

• The hospital decides what goes on the Cart.  We can provide suggestions on what is popular on the Cart to help with the ordering process.

• Patients can choose both a treat and a treasure. Anyone in the room can select items from the Cart at no cost.

• The Cart is typically managed by Child Life and we can help with designing procedures that align with hospital policies to ensure patient, family, staff, and volunteer safety.  

• The Cart gives everyone something to consistently look forward to and provides a much-needed break from medical activities. Kids are often motivated to walk to the door to make their choices, but because the cart is on wheels, it can also be brought to the bedside, if permitted.  

The Child Life Program at Jim Pattison Children's Hospital is proudly supported by Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Foundation.