The Event
On behalf of The Kent Great Big Dig for the IWK, we are excited to welcome you back!
The region’s most anticipated and exciting fundraising event is November 14, 2026. The Great Big Dig event brings you an unforgettable evening of food, entertainment, amazing auction items, prizes, and great company.
The continued generosity of the community and our sponsors have allowed The Great Big Dig to substantially impact the lives of children, youth, women, and families in our region! Thank you for your continued support.
The Purpose
The Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) — Advancing Critical Care at IWK Health.
This year, the Kent Great Big Dig for the IWK is digging deep to support the purchase of an ECMO — Advancing Critical Care at IWK Health.
An Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) machine is one of the most advanced forms of life support available for children with life-threatening heart or lung failure. When a patient's heart or lungs are too sick to work on their own and other treatments are no longer enough, the ECMO machine temporarily takes over their job by adding oxygen to the blood, removing carbon dioxide, and supporting circulation. This gives the heart and lungs time to rest and heal, offering patients their best chance at recovery. As the only pediatric ECMO program in the Maritimes, the IWK provides this lifesaving therapy to critically ill patients from across the region, bringing hope to families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Replacing the current ECMO equipment will ensure that our highly specialized care team has safe, reliable technology to continue delivering this complex, lifesaving treatment with confidence, helping provide the best possible outcomes for children and their families when every moment counts.
