More Than a Treat: How the Love Cart Lifts Spirits of Diagnostic Imaging Staff
When the Love Cart rolls through the Diagnostic Imaging Department at St. Paul’s Hospital, word travels fast.
“Attention staff, attention staff: the Love Cart is at the front desk.”
For Jessalyn Wallace, Medical Imaging Supervisor and a 17-year member of the St. Paul’s Hospital team, making that announcement has become one of her favourite moments.
“We always say, don’t run in the hallways — it causes alarm — but to see 40 to 50 staff members racing [to the Love Cart], it just puts a smile on my face.”
What began as a simple gesture during the COVID-19 pandemic has grown into something much larger than a cart full of snacks and small gifts. Supported by donors and community partners, the Love Cart brings treats, personal care items, and unexpected surprises to staff throughout the Hospital. More importantly, it brings a reminder that the people who care for patients every day are cared for, too.
A reminder that you’re seen
Healthcare can be demanding, both physically and emotionally. Across every department, staff work long hours supporting patients and families through some of life’s most challenging moments.
And then, the Love Cart rolls through. Laden with treats that change from visit to visit, part of the excitement is finding out what’s on the cart today. One day it might be instant oatmeal or trail mix. Another day it could be novelty toothbrushes, socks, lip balm, gardening seeds, or bath bombs.
For Jessalyn, the impact of the Love Cart has never been about the items themselves.
“That thoughtful note or small treat, it tells workers: you are seen. Your hard work doesn’t go unrecognized. It’s such a fresh recharge in the middle of your day.”
Medical Imaging is one of the busiest areas in the Hospital. Nearly every patient who comes through St. Paul’s will interact with the department at some point in their care journey.
“You’re always putting your best face forward, but when that little Love Cart comes around, it just puts a pep in your step,” Jessalyn said. “It reminds you why you’re here. It keeps you going.”
The impact is so meaningful that Diagnostic Imagining created its own version of the Love Cart to celebrate their team during Medical Radiation Technologist Week last fall.
The response was immediate.
“They were so surprised!” Jessalyn said. “We’re definitely doing it again.”
A powerful return on kindness
The Love Cart is a reminder that meaningful impact doesn’t always require a large investment.
A donated case of snacks. A box of socks. A few personal care items. A thoughtful note.
Together, those small contributions reach hundreds of healthcare workers throughout the Hospital and create moments of encouragement that ripple far beyond a single day.
The Love Cart is made possible through the generosity of donors, local businesses, community groups, and volunteers who believe in supporting the people who care for our community.
Last December, funds raised from Giving Tuesday funded the cart.
“I wish they could come in and see it,” Jessalyn says of the donors who make the program possible. “Because it’s one thing to hear about it, but to see staff come running, to see people gathered around the cart picking socks, a pen, a cookie… we’re like a bunch of kids.”
Help keep the Love Cart rolling
To learn more about supporting the Love Cart, contact the Foundation’s Manager of Annual Giving Daniel Crawshaw at St. Paul’s Hospital Foundation at daniel.crawshaw@sphfoundation.org.
Together, we can continue creating moments of kindness for the people who care for our community every day.