Firefighters For Healing donates $10,000 to support Hennepin Heroes

Firefighters For Healing is donating $10,000 to the Hennepin Heroes campaign to show their support for the many men and women within the hospital walls of Hennepin Healthcare who are facing the challenges of COVID-19 head-on.

“We want to bring relief and support to the frontline,” said Firefighters For Healing Founder, Jake LaFerriere, who was hospitalized in Hennepin Healthcare’s Burn Center in 2010. “I’ve seen firsthand their dedication and resilience, bravery and sacrifice. To mark our 10th anniversary of service, we are donating $10,000 to help provide supplies and meals to ease the daily pressure for frontline workers.”

The Hennepin Healthcare Foundation mobilized the Hennepin Heroes Fund to respond to the generosity of the community for its healthcare workers. Donations help acquire personal protective equipment, food support, technology for virtual connections, and lodging.

Sherman Associates has also joined Firefighters for Healing with their own gift of lodging support for Hennepin Heroes. Offering a safe space for respite so providers don’t expose their loved ones to the virus, The Canopy by Hilton-Mill District is offering nightly stays conveniently located just a few blocks away from the hospital.

“We are grateful to the many workers who are sacrificing to take care of others,” said Chris Sherman, Senior Vice president, Sherman Associates. “Their tireless efforts save lives. We hope the entire community joins us in supporting and thanking these heroes.”

“This year celebrates a decade of Firefighters For Healing’s inspiring generosity for first responders and young burn survivors,” said Theresa Pesch, President Hennepin Healthcare Foundation. “We hold dear the special relationship built between Hennepin Healthcare’s Burn Unit patients and staff and the Firefighters For Healing team. They truly lead with their hearts and it is not surprising they are leading now with this $10,000 matching gift on behalf of Hennepin Heroes in all areas of care. We are very grateful for our partnership and for the generous lodging support by Sherman Associates.”

Firefighters For Healing is showing up to salute the Healthcare Heroes with 100 PPE face shields, gourmet coffee, nurse appreciation gifts and more. A photo opportunity of the event will take place:

When: Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 10am for 10 minutes

Where: Hennepin Healthcare lawn at Chicago and 8th (730 S 8th St, Minneapolis, MN 55415)

About Firefighters For Healing

Firefighters For Healing is a non-profit 501(C)(3) charitable organization founded in 2010 by a Minneapolis firefighter who tragically experienced firsthand what a burn trauma patient endures. Firefighters For Healing is dedicated to providing burn survivors, first responders and their families with emotional care, temporary housing assistance & financial support. Visit firefightersforhealing.org to learn more.

About Hennepin Healthcare Foundation

The Hennepin Healthcare Foundation guides those in the community who wish to support the mission of Hennepin Healthcare to provide outstanding care for everyone, while improving health and wellness through teaching, patient and community education, and research.

About Hennepin Healthcare

Hennepin Healthcare is an integrated system of care that includes HCMC, a nationally recognized Level I Adult Trauma Center and Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and acute care hospital, as well as a clinic system with primary care clinics located in Minneapolis and across Hennepin County.