It took more than two decades for the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital to become a reality, and this month we celebrate the first anniversary of the grand opening. To recognize that, and to honour the hospital’s namesake and largest donor, Jim Pattison, who donated $50-million to the hospital, a bronze statue has been unveiled outside the main doors.

JPCH Foundation President and CEO, Brynn Boback-Lane, says the statue features a boy enthusiastically playing the trumpet, which is something Pattison did as a child, and he had big dreams. Boback-Lane says with the hospital and the people that come through its doors, little dreams can grow to become big accomplishments. She gives the examples of a child who tackles chemotherapy, a mother delivering early or a family that won’t leave their child’s bedside.

Pattison thanked everyone who helped make the Children’s Hospital a reality and noted that it’s not how much you contribute that’s important, it’s the fact that you support the program.

The Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital opened its doors on September 29th of last year. Saskatchewan Health Authority Board Chair, Dick Carter, cited that up to the end of June, more than 15,200 visitors have come through the doors and over 2300 surgeries were performed.