
By Rhonda Massad
The Helmet Drive was born from a specific need Dr. Sinclair at The Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital (The Neuro) who had need for three extra large helmets. On June 10, the post was made to The Neuro Facebook page and word has been spreading through patients, friends and staff.
“The Montreal Roller Derby League is even looking to make a donation thanks to an ICU nurse at the Neuro who plays with them.” The Neuro’s Development Officer, Amanda Fritz told The Suburban in an interview. “We have also receive a few cash donations from people who want to help but are too far away to send an actual helmet.”
“We anticipate that the helmets we collect will be able to help a large cross-section of patients in need post-surgery,” she explained, “where their heads are fragile and need to be protected from possible injury.”
The Neuro is accepting helmets in all sizes, types, and conditions of helmets.
“Once we have an inventory of our donations, those we can use for patients will be cleaned and refurbished. Those we can’t use for patients we will try to find another purpose for. We are especially looking for men’s helmets – as they are larger and can accommodate the often swollen post-surgical skull of patients.”
The Neuro, is a world-leading destination for brain research and advanced patient care. Since its founding in 1934 by renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Wilder Penfield, The Neuro has grown to be the largest specialized neuroscience research and clinical centre in Canada, and one of the largest in the world.
The Neuro is not at the new Glen site MUHC hospital. They are still on University Street in downtown Montreal.
There is a donation box at the Neuro 3801 University, Montreal, right across the street from old Royal Victoria Hospital. Volunteers in the community have offered to help with pick up and delivery if the drop off point is not convenient.
More information can be obtained by emailing amanda.fritz@mcgill.ca