The High River Hospital and the local Shriners teamed up to make life a little more fun for kids visiting the hospital.

The Shriners donated $5,700 to the Hospital, which they used to outfit the low risk obstetrics ward with toys, kids furniture and a handful of Playstations all to keep kids entertained for what can be long visits to the hospital.

High River & District Health Care Foundation Development Officer Cathy Couey says it's a different direction in spending the money than they usually go.

"This absolutely is a fun project! One of the goals of the Hospital, and also the Foundation is patient and family centred care. And this is obviously an area where the family is very important. And I think we need to look at those areas and make it as great an experience as we can for the mom's and their families coming in. And that's exactly what this space does. It just helps make the experience that much better and makes it a friendly, welcoming place for everybody to be at."

Foothills Shriners Past President Barry Davey says they're always looking for ways to give back to their local communities.

Kids are immediately drawn to the activities available to them in the High River Hospital's Low Risk Obstetrics Unit, which will help them cope with what is usually hours long visits to the Hospital. Photo - Russell Skeet.