The Foundation of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Christmas Wish Tree lighting ceremonies took place this week at both the Wallaceburg and Chatham sites of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA).
Dozens of attendees from across the municipality braved the cold and wet temperatures to enjoy events that have come to embody the holiday spirit of the people of Chatham Kent.
During the Christmas Wish Tree appeal, members of the community publicly honour family members and friends by making a donation to illuminate one of three different coloured tree lights in support of their local hospital, the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. This year’s appeal and event highlighted the importance of heart health, and all funds raised are being directed toward the purchase of equipment that helps lessen the impact of heart-related ailments in Chatham-Kent.
Two Christmas Wish Tree lighting events took place this year for the first time. The first was at the CKHA Chatham site on December 10, with another at the CKHA Wallaceburg site on December 13.
The Wallaceburg event also featured a popular horse and wagon ride, which took attendees around the neighbourhood in the tradition of holiday events from the past.
“On behalf of the Foundation of CKHA, I would like to thank the residents of Chatham-Kent for their generous contributions to this year’s Christmas Wish Tree Appeal, and for attending these events in such high numbers this week,” stated Mary Lou Crowley, Executive Director, Foundation of CKHA, in a press release.
“Every gift made to this year’s appeal has brought us one step closer to bringing new much needed heart- related equipment to CKHA, and we couldn’t be more grateful to everyone who participated this year, either by donating, coming to the event, or both.”
Both events also featured a candle lighting ceremony in addition to the lighting of the tree.
The ritual of lighting a candle to pay tribute to a life that has passed has long been a part of Christmas tradition.
“Keeping a light burning in remembrance of someone special signifies that your memories of them still live on and burn bright,” stated Gaye Thompson, Board Chair, Foundation of CKHA, in a media release.
“We celebrate the memory of our loved ones and reflect on their lives and what they have meant to you in the past, and will continue to mean to you today and in the future.”
Fundraising for the Christmas Wish Tree is still ongoing, and donations can be made until January 31, 2019 by visiting www.foundationckha.com, calling 519-436-2538, or by dropping by the Foundation of
CKHA office at 9 Ursuline Avenue in Chatham. The Foundation offices will be open throughout the holidays, with the exception of Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
