Victoria General Hospital

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Stories from the Cart at VGH

"I was so excited when the Treats & Treasures cart came to my room for the first time! Picking out toys and snacks made me feel special and helped me forget about being in the hospital for a little while.” —Patient, 8 years old 

"We’re so grateful for this new program. The cart has already made a positive impact by giving our son something fun to look forward to during his treatments. It’s a wonderful reminder that the hospital cares about the whole child.” —Parents of Patient 

"Seeing the Treats & Treasures program launch and already bringing smiles to children’s faces is truly rewarding. It’s a meaningful way to support our patients beyond their medical care.” —Clinic Nurse 

"Play is a vital part of a child’s healing process—it helps reduce stress, express emotions, and regain a sense of control during medical treatment. The Treats & Treasures program not only brings joy but also supports these therapeutic goals by providing children with opportunities for play and choice. It’s incredible to see how something as simple as selecting a toy or snack can empower patients and brighten their hospital experience.” —Child Life Specialist 

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.