Pediatric patients at Children's Hospital of Greenville Health System and their families will soon have an interactive, child-friendly space in which to regroup and relax thanks to a $300,000 pledge from Carolinas Credit Union Foundation.
Officials from the Foundation, which represents 169 credit unions in North and South Carolina, and GHS Children's Hospital revealed plans for the space today during a ground breaking ceremony.
“Giving back is a core value of credit unions and aligns with our collective philosophy of people helping people,” said Carolinas Credit Union Foundation President and CEO John McGrail. “I am proud of the credit unions in North and South Carolina for coming together to transform this space into something warm and inviting for patients and families to enjoy during their hospital stay.”
The 1,900-square-foot lobby will be transformed into an underwater adventure and feature 200 brightly painted metal fish hung from the ceiling. An interactive submarine wall will feature interactive games like Bubble Pop, Music Notes, Dress Up and Painting, as well as three mirror windows that allow children to see their reflection while playing games. For example, when playing Dress Up, children can digitally dress themselves in the mirror with underwater-themed elements.
The new space will also include an existing salt water fish tank, child- and adult-sized furniture, and charging stations for electronic devices.
“We are grateful for partners like the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation, who give generously so that we can better serve our patients,” said Dr. Bill Schmidt, medical director of GHS Children’s Hospital. “This space will give our patients and families a place to rest between treatments. And best of all, it will provide a space for kids to do what they do best – have fun.”
Have fun is what eleven-year-old cystic fibrosis patient Hazel Hill wants to do all the time, even when she’s in the hospital.
“When I come to the hospital, I’m here for two or three weeks. I miss being at home and playing with my friends. I like this space because it means I have a place to go to play games and have fun with my family and other kids who are staying at the hospital.”
Construction of the new lobby is expected to be completed by October.
About Children’s Hospital of Greenville Health System
Children’s Hospital of Greenville Health System serves as the region’s source for pediatric care. The hospital treats more than 180,000 infants, children and adolescents each year from South Carolina, Western North Carolina, Northern Georgia and beyond.
About Carolinas Credit Union Foundation
The Carolinas Credit Union Foundation represents the cooperative efforts of credit unions in North Carolina and South Carolina in working together today to make for a better tomorrow by helping people help themselves. For more information, visit carolinasfoundation.org or contact John McGrail at (704) 305-7587 or [email protected].