Mail service may be disrupted, but your ability to change lives is not. Donate onlineor by calling 866-342-8126. Your gift will support patients and families in Covenant’s care.
National Philanthropy Month: One Donation, Five Ways It’s Changing Tiny Lives
Published 11 13, 2025
This National Philanthropy Month, we are proud to spotlight the Evan Ty Jenkins Pediatric Research Foundation, whose recent donation of a leading-edge ventilator at the Misericordia NICU is giving newborns a stronger start.
Imagine this: a fragile, premature newborn in the NICU, their tiny chest rising and falling with the help of a ventilator — each breath a victory, each moment a quiet miracle. That sight inspired the Evan Ty Jenkins Pediatric Research Foundation, lovingly known as Treasure Life.
Founded in memory of Evan Ty Jenkins, a joyful young boy who lived with congenital heart disease until the age of seven, Treasure Life honours his courageous spirit by supporting innovative care and technology that gives children a better chance at life.
Evan Ty Jenkins - Image courtesy of Treasure Life
Here are five ways one extraordinary gift continues to create ripples of hope.
1. It has turned grief into generosity.
When Evan passed away, his family wanted to carry forward the joy and courage he brought into the world.
“Evan inspired us every day with his courage and joy,” shares Charlene Jenkins, Evan’s mother and president of Treasure Life. “In honouring his memory, we wanted to make the medical journey a little easier for children living with heart disease and help families bring their children home sooner.”
2. It is delivering life-saving innovation to the Misericordia NICU.
Through Covenant Foundation, Treasure Life funded a Fabian Evolution Ventilator for the Misericordia Community Hospital’s NICU. It is a state-of-the-art system that provides gentle, precise breathing support for the tiniest patients.
“When Covenant Foundation recognized the gift with the words ‘Bringing babies home one breath at a time,’ it touched us deeply,” Charlene recalls. “That’s exactly what we hope to do — give newborns the best chance at life.”
3. It is easing pain and anxiety for babies and families.
Their generosity also helped fund specialized vein viewers, enabling care teams to find tiny veins more quickly, reducing the number of needle pokes and minimizing stress for babies and parents alike. This is compassion made visible.
4. It has created a partnership that is helping elevate health care across Alberta.
At Covenant Foundation, we fund state-of-the-art equipment, enhanced spaces, leading-edge innovation and specialized programs that transform the health care experience at Covenant facilities across Alberta. Partnerships with organizations like Treasure Life make that possible.
“Covenant Foundation’s mission aligns perfectly with ours,” adds Charlene. “Together, we’re making a difference for children who need it most.”
5. It is offering hope that heals.
“Each child’s health journey is unique, often filled with moments of despair and hope,” Charlene reflects. “If the challenge ever feels too much, remember: you are not alone. Lean into the love of those around you.”
Because of one act of love, fragile newborns have a better chance at life and families get to experience the joy of bringing their babies home.
This National Philanthropy Day, we invite you to join Covenant Foundation’s community of donors and discover how one gift can create extraordinary impact across Alberta. Will you make a donation today?
Be the first to hear about exciting events, inspiring stories, and meaningful fundraisers at Covenant Foundation. Sign up for Community Pulse — your go-to newsletter for staying in the know and making a difference in your community.
