The 31st annual Christmas Wish Tree campaign has kicked off in support of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance’s (CKHA) new Urology services.
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation officials say the campaign provides an opportunity for members of the community to celebrate the memory of their loved ones by making a donation in their honour.
For each donation, a light will be added to the Christmas Wish Tree in recognition, and their loved one’s name will be published in local newspapers.
“Although our holiday festivities may look a bit different this year, due to COVID-19, it was important for us to ensure this long-standing tradition in Chatham-Kent continued no matter what,” stated Greg Hetherington, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation board chair, in a media release.
“We’ll be making some changes to our tree lighting ceremonies, but the way in which our community can honour their loved ones will be the same.”
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation officials say those changes include a new virtual format, which will feature for the first time in the campaign’s 30 year history, a live broadcast of both ceremonies on YourTV Chatham-Kent, as well as through the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation’s (CKHAF) Facebook page @ckhafoundation.
This year’s campaign is already seeing tremendous support, as local businesses have come on board to provide sponsorship, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation officials added.
“We are beyond grateful for how our business community has come together to support us this year,” stated Mary Lou Crowley, president and CEO of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation, in a media release.
“For the first time ever, we have a Presenting Sponsor – Karen Ewald, VP & Portfolio Manager at RBC Wealth Management Dominion Securities, as well as a number of other partners who are participating for the first time.”
The full list of partners include long-time supporter Maple City Business Solutions, National Bank Financial JMRD Watson Wealth Management Team, TekSavvy Solutions, and Western Equipment Lighting.
Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation officials say they have also received a very generous gift from Bob and Robin Hockney, who have offered to match every donation received between November 12 and November 30, dollar for dollar, up to $25,000.
Retired local business owners, Bob and Robin have lived in Chatham-Kent for 31 years and both expressed their gratitude for the generosity they have received from this community, which inspired them to give back, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation officials say.
“With Bob and Robin’s incredible support, we will be able to double the impact that each donation is making on local health care, which is truly heartwarming,” Crowley added.
All proceeds will support CKHA’s Urology services through the purchase of a new Bladder Scanner for CKHA’s Wallaceburg Site and a new Urodynamics Machine for CKHA’s Chatham Site.
The two pieces of equipment are among the remaining items needed to complete the Urology unit, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation officials say.
Members of the community are invited to view the live broadcast on YourTV, and the Foundation’s Facebook page, as the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation honours the memories of loved ones in Wallaceburg on Wednesday December 16 at 6 p.m., and in Chatham on Thursday, December 17 at 6 p.m.
For more details, visit the Foundation website at ckhaf.ca.
