Bruce County Paramedic Services is expressing its heartfelt gratitude to the Cargill Homecoming Committee and the Cargill & District Community Fund for their generous contributions of $3,000 and $500, respectively. These donations will be used to purchase stuffed animals for children treated and transported by paramedics in the county.
The stuffed animals chosen for this initiative will be Hereford cows, inspired by Bruce County’s beloved "Big Bruce," a roadside attraction that has graced Arran-Elderslie since 1980. The iconic sculpture was named Ontario’s greatest roadside attraction in 2021, and now it will help bring comfort to children in need of care.
Steve Schaus, Chief of Bruce County Paramedic Services, emphasized the importance of this initiative.
"It has been identified through our training that items like a stuffed animal can help relax children," Schaus explained. "Bruce County Paramedic Services is very honored that the Cargill Homecoming Committee and Cargill & District Community Fund thought of us and our youngest patients when seeking community initiatives to support."
The donations will help provide comfort during what can be a stressful experience for children in medical emergencies.
"I’m so proud of the thoughtfulness and amazing generosity of the people of Bruce County," said Bruce County Warden Luke Charbonneau. "Thank you so much to the community groups of Cargill for these generous donations that will help provide added comfort and calm for children receiving care from our Bruce County Paramedics."
Bruce County Paramedic Services employs around 100 full-time and part-time paramedics who deliver pre-hospital care to both residents and visitors. With a fleet of 13 ambulances and 3 supervisor units, the paramedics are ready to respond to medical and trauma emergencies, serving communities throughout Bruce County.