Each year, tens of thousands of kids from all corners of the province visit BC Children’s Hospital. As the only hospital in the province devoted exclusively to children, they count on it for specialized care they often can’t receive anywhere else.
One of those patients is Sofia – who was diagnosed at six years old with a condition called intestinal malrotation – this occurs when the intestines do not rotate properly during development.
Sofia and her family have made countless trips to BC Children’s Hospital, which have included three complex surgeries. After spending almost seven months in the hospital last year, the 11-year-old’s health is now more stable and she’s back to her energetic self.
With one million kids in BC, it’s an enormous job to ensure that every child, like Sofia, receives the best health care possible.
This is exactly why people from across the province rally together each year to help ensure the hospital has the funds to do just that – this generous support allows experts at BC Children’s to purchase life-saving equipment, conduct innovative research, respond to critical needs and more.
While there are all kinds of ways people can support the hospital, one of the largest and long-running initiatives has been BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Jeans Day – when supporters proudly wore their jeans on the first Thursday in May.
As the iconic fundraiser entered its 30th year this year, the Foundation decided it was time for a change.
Jeans Day has now evolved into something way bigger – a month-long movement in May called Jean Up – and there are some big changes in store!
For one, the Jean Up movement is about changing the very meaning of wearing jeans to be a symbol of what one stands for – helping kids get out of their hospital gowns and back into their jeans.
It’s also gone fully digital, which means it’s easier than ever for people to take part from their own homes.
How do you get involved?
People can donate online, and then pick a day, week or even the entire month of May to wear their favourite denim.
Supporters are encouraged to post selfies in their jeans on social media to show their support of BC’s kids – just don’t forget to tag @bcchf and use the hashtag #JeanUp.
For those on Instagram, be sure to search “Jean Up” in the GIF area to add your virtual sticker to your selfie.
BC Children’s Hospital Jean Up
- When: The entire month of May!
- Where: Join the movement and donate online today
