Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation’s (CKHAF) 33rd annual Christmas Wish Tree campaign is officially underway, and community members are encouraged to honour the memory of a loved one this holiday season through a donation to the annual fundraising initiative.
Foundation officials say this local holiday tradition provides residents of Chatham-Kent and beyond with the opportunity to make a donation in memory of a loved one.
For each donation, a light will be added to the Christmas Wish Trees at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance’s (CKHA) Wallaceburg and Chatham sites in their honour.
All honouree names will also be published in a weekly ad run in the Chatham Daily News and the Chatham-Kent This Week.
The memorial trees will be lit up during special ceremonies where attendees will celebrate the lives of those who are being remembered.
This year’s tree lighting ceremonies will be held on Wednesday, December 14 at 6 p.m. at CKHA’s Wallaceburg site, and on Thursday, December 15th at 6 p.m. at CKHA’s Chatham site.
“Our annual Christmas Wish Tree campaign is such a meaningful way to celebrate the holiday season as we keep our loved ones close in our hearts,” stated Mary Lou Crowley, CKHAF President & CEO, in a media release.
“We are so excited to join with our community once again as we carry on this annual Chatham-Kent holiday tradition that has touched the lives of so many in our community for over three decades.”
All proceeds from this year’s campaign will support the purchase of new Warming Cabinets for CKHA’s Chatham and Wallaceburg sites.
Foundation officials say these cabinets will help to spread some warmth to CKHA patients this holiday season, as they are used to warm linens and blankets to increase patient comfort, prevent hypothermia, and to decrease anxiety in the hospital environment.
“As we approach the cold weather and winter months ahead, small comforts like a warm blanket can make all the difference in a patient’s experience,” stated Bob Hockney, CKHAF Board Chair, in a media release.
“Warmed blankets are used every day on each unit at CKHA, and these Warming Cabinets play a major role in helping patients remain comfortable during their stay in hospital.”
Once again this year, the Foundation is proud to honour the lives and legacies of local healthcare advocates that we have lost in the past year, Foundation officials ay.
These individuals passionately supported the Foundation and hospital, acting as leaders within our philanthropic community.
To recognize their legacies, a purple bulb will be illuminated on the Christmas Wish Tree for each Legacy of Giving Honouree.
This year’s Honourees are Dr. Angelita Allen, Steve Bilodeau, Rex Crawford, John Meko Sr., Richard (Dick) Pollock, and Ruth Tetrault.
The 33rd annual Christmas Wish Tree campaign would not be possible without the support of CKHAF’s generous community partners, including Presenting Sponsor Karen Ewald, VP & Portfolio Manager of RBC Wealth Management Dominion Securities.
Other event partners include MC Business Solutions, Western Equipment Ltd., WINMAR International Ltd., and Five Star Tool and Die Ltd.
To date, more than $3-million has been raised to purchase vital equipment for CKHA’s Chatham and Wallaceburg sites through Christmas Wish Tree.
To learn more about the Foundation’s 33rd annual Christmas Wish Tree campaign, or to make a donation in memory of a loved one, community members can visit www.ckhaf.ca, call 519-436-2538, or donate in person in the Foundation office located at 9 Ursuline Ave. in Chatham.
