Sometimes warm, dry socks, a cosy blanket, or nutritious food can make the difference between someone making a full recovery after leaving hospital and returning due to recurring poor health.

It was with that understanding that 10 years ago, the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation established the , designed to support the community鈥檚 most vulnerable people.

鈥淭he Whatever It Takes Fund helps cover expenses for patients discharged from hospital and on their way home, helping stabilize them so they can recover fully instead of returning to hospital,鈥� explains Heather Scott, Executive Director of the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation.

Administered by the hospital鈥檚 social work team, funds could cover groceries, warm clothing, toiletries or transportation costs for medical appointments, for example.

This year, the aims to raise $20,000 for the fund, recognizing the ever-growing need, fueled by rising costs of food, utilities, housing and other essentials.

鈥淔ood is a big one, and we work closely with 91原创 Meals on Wheels to help ensure people are getting the nutrition they need,鈥� Scott says, recalling one patient who was admitted for malnutrition after forgoing food to save money for dentures.

Another woman was returning to an empty home after her husband died while she was in hospital. Thanks to generous donors, the hospital鈥檚 social work team used the Whatever It Takes Fund to help pay for private home care and grocery shopping assistance to maintain her health and nutrition while she gained strength at home.

Poverty doesn鈥檛 discriminate

And poverty doesn鈥檛 discriminate between age, gender or ethnicity. A new mom may be saving for a car seat, for example, and limiting her own meals while breastfeeding. Yet, 鈥測ou want a new mom eating well for the health of the little one,鈥� Scott says, commending the social work team for stretching donations as far as possible.

With rising prices, the need continues. 鈥淪ince 2020, the need for food has grown by 20 per cent. However, the funding has not kept up with that pace,鈥� Scott emphasizes.

鈥淚t鈥檚 heartbreaking to think that there are people in our community who have to choose between food and other necessities,鈥� Scott says. 鈥淲hen donors give to this fund, they鈥檙e helping the most vulnerable people in our community, and for that we are forever thankful.鈥�

How you can help

To help the 91原创 Memorial Hospital Foundation do Whatever it Takes, visit where you can donate easily and securely online.