December 11, 2025
Our Foundation is Fueling Unstoppable Compassion with 91 Patient Comfort & Kindness Grants
In the spirit of the season, St. Joe’s Foundation is delighted to announce that 91 Patient Comfort & Kindness Grants have been awarded to support over 100 programs and departments across our campuses of care and offsite programs and services. These grants are made possible by our generous donors and the ongoing support of the Ever Hopeful Fund, who contributed a remarkable $225,000 this year to help us fund the majority of requests we received. In total, we’ve granted over $300,700 – the most in the history of this program that embodies our shared commitment to compassionate care.
The table below includes a full list of the projects funded by Patient Comfort & Kindness Grants during the 2025 fiscal year. We are grateful to all of our donors and the Ever Hopeful Fund as, together, we’re making holiday wishes come true for so many of our care teams and the patients they’re honoured to serve with unstoppable compassion.
| Department/Unit | Items Funded |
|---|---|
| Volunteer Resources | Games, art supplies, toiletries and personal grooming supplies to enhance patient comfort and empower volunteers to create positive, meaningful interactions. |
| Brant ACTT | Gift cards to help vulnerable clients access essential personal hygiene items, clothing, food and household items to foster dignity and improve their quality of life. |
| Youth Wellness Centre | Distress tolerance kits and bus tickets offer a gesture of kindness and provide youth with vital coping tools helping them to access the care they may need. |
| Indigenous Health Services* (*two grants being issued to help bring this request to two sites of care) | Traditional medicines, along with tools and teachings for their use, to bring Indigenous healing practices into clinical spaces. This will include, bundles, smudging supplies, medicine pouch supplies, printing, and an elder/medicine person to support spiritual healing for Indigenous patients. |
| 10AMH | Weighted chairs to enhance patient comfort while supporting unit safety. |
| Surgery | Enhancements to the surgical waiting room to create a calming, inclusive space with TVs for education and entertainment, Indigenous-inspired art, bariatric seating and updated washroom to improve accessibility and patient comfort. |
| Operating Room | Artwork in waiting areas to offer a soothing environment that reduces stress and promotes a sense of calm. |
| Brantford Dialysis | Snack cart supplies and grocery store gift cards to alleviate food insecurity for dialysis patients, enhancing nutrition and emotional well-being. |
| Haldimand Norfolk ACTT | Social events, food security packages and birthday cards improve quality of life for clients, addressing food insecurity and social isolation with compassionate supports. |
| Dual Diagnosis Clinic | Gift cards provide immediate relief for patients’ urgent needs, reducing stress and promoting dignity during treatment. |
| Hamilton ACTT1 | Memberships and classes that offer meaningful activities to enhance self-esteem, social connection and support mental health. |
| ACTT2 | Gift cards to help clients purchase everyday essentials to support each clients’ individual needs, fostering dignity and community connection. |
| Geriatrics | Therapeutic items like mechanical pets, fidget blankets and pocket talkers to provide comfort, reduce agitation, and promote emotional well-being in older adult patients with dementia. |
| CONNECT | Gift cards, bus fare and personal hygiene products provide immediate support to vulnerable individuals in our community. |
| Volunteer Resources | Magazine subscriptions to enrich patient interactions, offering comfort and opportunities for engagement. |
| 4BD CTU | Companion pets and palliative comfort cart items provide therapeutic support for dementia patients and their families. Collaborating with a local Indigenous artist to create a custom work of art for the unit, reflecting our commitment to culturally safe, inclusive and respectful care. |
| IMRAC | Indigenous wall art for the waiting room and clinic rooms serving as a powerful visual representation of our commitment to culturally safe and inclusive care. As well as new chairs to create more comfortable, welcoming spaces. |
| Social Work | Comfort carts stocked with refreshments and amenities to offer families emotional and physical support during critical care |
| Social Work | Haircuts and nail care services to promote patient dignity and self-esteem. |
| Speech Language Pathology | Communication aids, such as boogie boards and white boards, denture adhesives, and pocket talker, to improve patient interaction and autonomy, while reducing frustration during care. |
| Respiratory Therapy | Home BiPap unit and accessories ensures continuity of care and comfort for patients relying on breathing support. |
| Urgent Care | Pediatric comfort items and charging stations to reduce anxiety and improve the experience for children and families. |
| Emergency | Additional pillows to enhance patient comfort during extended stays in the emergency department. |
| Medical Step Down Unit | Tablets and wall mounts offer patients a meaningful distraction and opportunity for connection during their recovery. |
| Head and Neck Unit | Communication boards support patients with speech challenges, fostering dignity and effective interaction with families and care teams. |
| Surgical Step Down Unit | Specialized chairs improve patient mobility and safety, promoting dignity and comfort during recovery. |
| Surgical Step Down Unit | Sleeper chairs provide families with comfortable overnight accommodations, allowing them to stay by their loved one’s side. |
| Recreation Therapy | Recreational supplies and fitness equipment to enhance patient engagement and well-being. |
| Specialty Programs | Exercise and mobility equipment to support physical function and independence, while promoting overall wellness. |
| Psychiatry Elves | Gift cards and gift bags offer holiday cheer and emotional support to psychiatric inpatients, fostering kindness and connection. |
| Physiotherapy | Hip protectors reduce injury risk and support patient safety. |
| Mountain One | An elliptical machine to provide therapeutic exercise opportunities, enhancing mental and physical well-being. |
| IPAC | UV disinfection machines improve infection control, supporting patient safety and comfort. |
| 6 Surgical | New furniture to create a comfortable and welcoming space for patients and families. |
| 7 Surgical | Updating patient lounges with furniture, decor, and therapeutic activities to create a welcoming and supportive environment for patients and their loved ones. |
| Birthing | Birthing unit enhancements such as decor, a sleeper chair, a television and new blinds to provide additional comfort and privacy for families. |
| Central Recreation Services | Pickle ball courts will offer inclusive recreational opportunities, while promoting physical health and creating an opportunity for social connection. |
| Schizophrenia and Communication Integration Services (SCIS) | Supplies for cognitive behavioral therapy to enhance patient engagement and recovery. |
| MHAP | Coffee gift cards provide daily comfort to psychiatric patients, fostering kindness and emotional well-being. |
| Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) Clinic | Gift cards, bus tickets, a water cooler, and cable TV will support engagement with addiction treatment, reduce barriers, and promote recovery. |
| Bridge to Recovery Program | Hygiene kits and writing supplies provide essential self-care and creative outlets for clients. |
| Psychiatry | Gift cards, self-care kits, hygiene kits, and art kits encourage treatment participation and support dignity in young adults. |
| Women’s Health Concerns Clinic | Adventure-based off-site programming offers therapeutic outdoor activities, promoting patient health and well-being. |
| Charlton Hemodialysis | Clothing, gift cards and comfort items to foster dignity and allow patients to purchase necessities to support their physical and mental well-being. |
| Medicine | Funding for condolence cards to provide compassionate support to families who have recently lost a loved one. |
| AMH (Orchard 1/Mountain 1) | Support the continuation and expansion of the Expressive Arts Program. This initiative provides patients in crisis with access to art supplies and guided creative sessions, offering a vital outlet for emotional expression. |
| Schizophrenia and Communication Integration Services (SCIS) | Fresh food items, dry goods and reusable grocery bags to foster dignity and allow our clients to access these necessities to support their recovery. |
| Diabetes | Bus tickets and grocery gift cards to help clients access care without barriers and purchase basic necessities to support their overall health. Libre sensors to improve patients’ ability to manage their diabetes by offering testing supplies to those in need. |
| GIM 4MG | Various dementia care tools, such as companion pets and pocket talkers, to promote communication and overall emotional well-being. |
| 9AMH | Recreation supplies and social supports to improve quality of life and overall recovery. |
| Surgery | Deliver culturally connected supports to Indigenous patients facing surgery, a QR code will be available in the waiting room to hear recorded prayers and words of encouragement from Indigenous Elders as well as culturally significant artwork. |
| Forensic Psychiatry Outpatient | Personal fans to promote air circulation, temperature control and general comfort. Grocery gift cards to allow patients who are experiencing food insecurity access to healthy food options. |
| Occupational Therapy | Oxygen tank holders, night splints and cushions to improve patient comfort and mobility. Fidget blankets to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety and improve dexterity. |
| Recreational Therapy | Art supplies, sensory items and games, music players and magazines to help patients engage in meaningful activities that bring comfort and enjoyment. |
| Eating Disorders Program | Grocery store gift cards to allow patients who are experiencing food insecurity access to healthier food options. Creating a “low income support fund” to help patients access low cost fitness and exercise programs, build emotion regulation tool kits and help pay for parking or transportation costs during treatment. |
| Outpatient Department | iPads to provide to patients during IV treatment that can last up to 6 hours or more. This would help to reduce anxiety, pass the time and help patients feel more at ease during their treatment sessions. |
| Diagnostic Services | Positioning aids to enhance comfort and ensure patients remain still during X-ray procedures. Smile stickers to reward pediatric patients for their cooperation during scans. |
| Diagnostic Services | Positioning aids to support patient comfort and more accurate imaging during X-ray procedures. |
| Diagnostic Services | Positioning aids to support patient comfort and more accurate imaging during X-ray procedures. |
| Mammography | Adding an in-wall water refill station is a green initiative that guarantees long-term, convenient access to fresh water for patients. |
| Mammography | Adding an in-wall water refill station is a green initiative that guarantees long-term, convenient access to fresh water for patients. |
| Ultrasound | Adding an in-wall water refill station is a green initiative that guarantees long-term, convenient access to fresh water for patients. |
| Interventional Radiology | Positioning aids and ultrasound gel warmer to improve patient comfort during procedures. A portable handheld probe to enable clinical staff to access sites without needing to reposition or disturb the patient. |
| Diagnostic Imaging (MRI) | Ear pads to reduce noise and improve patient comfort during MRI scans. |
| Schizophrenia Outpatient Clinic | Funds to support a new all-day forum to celebrate the incredible strengths of women living with Mental Health Challenges, while addressing the complexities and nuances of women’s mental health. It will be an opportunity for program participants to come together and connect with others to build relationships and empower one another. |
| Schizophrenia Outpatient Clinic | Laptops for clients to use in our clinic to support their success in the job market. Access to this technology will help clients build confidence in using digital tools while receiving guidance in a supportive setting. |
| Clinical Neuropsychology Service | Lounge chair, two-seater sofa and a height-adjustable table to enhance the comfort, accessibility and overall experience of patients attending neuropsychological testing and feedback sessions. |
| Borderline Personality Disorders Service (BPDS) | Gift cards to help foster dignity and allow our clients to purchase neccessities. Distress tolerence supplies such as fidget toys and ice packs to assist patients in managing emotional regulation in group sessions, as well as out in the community. |
| Pediatrics (NICU) | Developmental positioning aids to create a womb-like environment, mobiles for sensory stimulation and incubator covers to protect infants from exposure to bright lights. |
| Clinical Nutrition/Food Services | By providing food thickening agents at discharge, we help patients maintain safe swallowing, prevent unnecessary readmissions, and reduce costs. |
| Infectious Disease Research | The Kindness Closet will serve as a dedicated resource in the Emergency Department, providing essential clothing to patients in need. For individuals experiencing homelessness, this initiative addresses a basic human necessity while promoting dignity and kindness. |
| Concurrent Disorders Outpatient Clinic | Prepaid phones, phone cards and tablets to decrease communication barriers and help clients stay connected and join virtual groups. Gift cards, personal care supplies and pantry items to promote dignity and support their recovery. |
| Psychiatric Emergency Services | Providing essentials like clothing, food and comfort items to help reduce harm, restore dignity and support healing. |
| Schizophrenia and Communication Integration Services (SCIS) | Develop and distribute Comfort Care Kits to provide emotional reassurance and age-appropriate resources to children whose parents are hospitalized for psychiatric care, helping reduce fear, confusion, and stigma. Care kits will include items such as a teddy bear, colouring activities and educational materials to support coping, resilience, and maintain family connection during a challenging time. |
| Concurrent Disorders Capacity Building Team (CDCBT) | Gift cards, clothing, sleeping bags and personal care items to provide essential support to vulnerable patients. |
| Men’s Addiction Services of Hamilton (MASH) | Clothing, personal care items, craft supplies and recovery supplies to improve quality of life and support addiction recovery. |
| Psychiatry | Support the continuation and expansion of the Expressive Arts Program. This initiative provides patients in crisis with access to art supplies and guided creative sessions, offering a vital of comfort, dignity and emotional expression. |
| SCIS: Steps Clinic | Wellness items and supportive services, including portable fans, prepaid cellphones, gift cards, water bottles and snow removal service for elderly patients to help improve quality of life and overall mental health. |
| Recreation Therapy | Supplies for independent engagement, such as creative materials, leisure games, sensory and fidget tools. As well as items utilized for safe discharge planning, such as kitchen items for functional assessments, clothing for independence training, and a walker tray to allow patients to practice with one before discharge. |
| Therapeutic Recreation | Upgraded technology, including a new TV and YouTube Premium account, large-print materials, sensory tools, and improved lighting to promote cognitive stimulation, emotional well-being, and longer engagement in therapeutic activities. |
| 2ALC | A Smart TV for the dining area to make extended time on the unit feel more welcoming. Gift cards for small indulgences like coffee and for essential hygiene services, including nail and foot care. |
| Post Acute Care | Purchase of toiletries and necessities for marginalized patients, helping to foster dignity and self-confidence, improving overall wellbeing. |
| Community Partnerships | Remove transportation barriers for patients with limited resources, ensuring they can access essential treatments, attend specialist appointments, and return home safely after discharge. |
| 8SHF | Comfort items, sensory tools, and hearing support to improve quality of life for geriatric patients and purchasing items to enhance palliative care through the 3 Wishes Project, offering families meaningful keepsakes and support at the bedside. |
| Geriatric Emergency Medicine | Provide easy-to-understand printed materials on topics such as delirium, dementia, fall prevention, palliative care and other relevant issues. Geriatric Friendly Comfort Kits to distribute to older patients who spend long hours in the emergency department. Each kit would include non-slip socks, a soft blanket, unscented lip balm and lotion, magnifying reading glasses, earplugs and sleep masks, puzzle books, pens, and large-print magazines. These items will help to reduce anxiety, physical discomfort and offer a kind gesture to older adults and their caregivers. |
| Respiratory Rehabilitation Day Program | Set up a Lending Library to include books that can be borrowed, pamphlets on local palliative care resources as well as artwork to help create a welcoming environment. |
| Nursing | Blood pressure cuffs and oximeters will allow patients to monitor their conditions from home. Not only building confidence but encouraging timely intervention and reducing unnecessary hospital visits. |
| First Place Transitional Care | Reachers reduce the need to bend or stretch, lowering fall risk and enabling residents to complete daily tasks on their own. Whiteboards offer visual reminders for routines, caregiver names, and mobility needs, improving orientation and communication for those with memory challenges. |
| Orchard 1 | 4 therapy dolls and 4 lifelike companion pets to offer emotional support and help reduce feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Watches, clocks and batteries to support patients’ time management and self-organization. |
| 6ALC | Updated furniture for dining and recreation spaces, 2 bariatric repositioning slings to assist patients with limited mobility and gift cards to assist with personal care. |
About the Patient Comfort & Kindness Grants
Each summer, our Foundation invites Hospital staff to apply for grants of up to $5,000 from our Patient Comfort & Kindness Fund to cover the costs of those ‘little things’ that bring warmth, comfort and dignity to the patients St. Joe’s serves. From basic necessities such as gift cards and warm clothing to innovative therapeutic aids and essential medical equipment, these grants help to create a more supportive and healing environment for our patients and their families.