Monica Nicol, manager of the Family Birthing Unit (middle) and Sherri Lalonde (right), child life specialist
at Surrey Memorial Hospital accept balloons from Arthur Coren (left), dean of Kwantlen’s School of Business.
 

For immediate release

December 2, 2010

Magical balloons spark smiles

(METRO VANCOUVER, B.C.) As Disney Institute’s professional development program “Disney’s Approach to Quality Service” ended on a high note on Tuesday, conference sponsor and organizer Kwantlen Polytechnic University found a way to spread the magic—by donating 75 helium balloons used at the event to the Child/Youth Services and the Family Birthing Unit at Surrey Memorial Hospital.

“This gift will help brighten the day of many young patients and their families,” says Monica Nicol, manager of the Family Birthing Unit at Surrey Memorial Hospital. “As a hospital that serves the region, Surrey Memorial offers care to thousands of pediatric patients in our Children's Health Centre and welcomes thousands more into the world in the Family Birthing Unit.”

Kwantlen welcomed the opportunity to host Disney Institute’s renowned program in Surrey, offering prudent business insights and practices from the world’s top ranked company to the local business community. Taking it a step further, the university also found a way to put smiles on the faces of children and their families.

“We all thought that donating the balloons to Surrey Memorial Hospital would bring some joy and spark some smiles amongst the children, the staff, and the visitors,” remarks Arthur Coren, dean of Kwantlen’s School of Business. “The hospital was enthusiastic and several Kwantlen volunteers offered to make sure they arrived here. It’s one of the small but meaningful ways that we can give back to the community that Kwantlen is so proud to be a part of.”

Kwantlen has been an important part of the Lower Mainland communities for over 27 years. The university not only serves the educational needs in this area, but also actively engages in public service to foster the well-being and growth of the local communities.

As a leader in innovative and interdisciplinary education, Kwantlen Polytechnic University offers all learners, regardless of background and preparation, opportunities to achieve the highest standards of academic performance.

For more information about Kwantlen Polytechnic University, visit: www.kwantlen.ca

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For more information about this story, contact:
Arthur Coren
Dean, School of Business
Tel: 604.599.3252
arthur.coren@kwantlen.ca

OR

For more information about Kwantlen, contact:
Joanne Saunders
Director, Marketing and Communications
Tel: 604.599.2243
joanne.saunders@kwantlen.ca