BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Jean Up goes digital for the first time in 30 years

Jean Up

Vancouver, BC (May 1, 2020) – Today, BC Children’s Hospital Foundation launches—for the first time in its 30-year history—an all-digital version of Jeans Day, a beloved BC campaign. What began as a one-day initiative in 1990 has now evolved into a month-long movement called Jean Up.

This evolution couldn’t have come at a better time. With physical distancing measures still in place, Jean Up still gives British Columbians the chance to wear their favourite denim and give their support to help get kids out of their hospital gowns and back into their jeans. During a time when health is on the forefront, and our healthcare system faces new challenges, anyone who is able to can make a difference for children’s health—no matter how big or how small their contribution.

Jeans Day has been one of BC Children’s iconic fundraisers during the last 29 years—it’s raised over $22 million to ensure kids in our province receive the best health care possible.

“During these difficult and uncertain times, health care heroes at BC Children’s Hospital continue to do what they’ve always done—ensure kids and families get the expert care they need,” said Teri Nicholas, president and CEO at BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. “When you participate in Jean Up, your contribution will help support this ongoing work, and will help get more kids out of their hospital gowns, and back into their jeans. We are incredibly grateful for the generous support we receive from across the entire province.”

Easy to show your support from home

Although planning the evolution of Jean Up began long before the COVID-19 pandemic, the campaign is uniquely suited for these times of physical distancing:

• Participate without leaving home. Donate online at jeanup.ca and then pick a day, a week or even celebrate all month long—show your denim spirit safely from home and share a photo of your support socially @bcchf #jeanup.
• Fundraise digitally. You can now fundraise for Jean Up online. Register for your own company or school fundraising page and use a web link to email around to collect donations. Tax receipts will be automatically issued for gifts $20 and over, and you’ll be able to see your total fundraising accomplishments in real time.
• Low environmental footprint. Instead of buttons and pins, show your support for BC Children’s with virtual stickers on your social media.

To get involved in Jean Up, visit bcchf.ca/jeanup.

About Jean Up

Jeans Day is now Jean Up—an annual initiative held all throughout the month of May. It’s a chance for all of us in BC to come together and wear jeans to show what we stand for—helping sick and injured kids get out of their hospital gowns and back into their own jeans. Whether you’re a company, school or individual, pick a day that works for you. Then, on that day, proudly wear your jeans and virtual sticker and tag us on social media at @bcchf #JeanUp to show your support.

About BC Children’s Hospital Foundation

BC Children’s Hospital is the only hospital in the province devoted exclusively to the care of children. As one of the few pediatric medical centres in North America with a world-class acute care centre, research institute, mental health facility and soon, rehabilitation centre, all on a single campus, BC Children’s provides specialized care, innovative therapies and expertise for BC’s kids, including the sickest and most seriously injured. At BC Children’s Hospital Foundation, we have a vision that every child is healthy and able to fulfill their hopes and dreams. The generosity of donors fuels our ability to help conquer childhood diseases, prevent illness and injury, and prioritize the unique needs of kids in every aspect of their care. Please follow us at @bcchf or visit bcchf.ca for more information.