The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation says its annual Christmas Wish Tree campaign raised $142,031 this holiday season to support vital healthcare needs at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance’s Chatham and Wallaceburg hospital sites.
Now in its 36th year, the Christmas Wish Tree campaign allows families across the community to honour or remember loved ones while helping fund essential hospital equipment and programs. Foundation officials say the initiative has become a longstanding holiday tradition in Chatham-Kent, bringing residents together through generosity and reflection.
“The generous support of this community continues to make a real difference to patients and families right here in Chatham-Kent,” said Christine Mitchell, CKHAF president and CEO. “Every donation helps ensure that our hospital teams have the necessary tools and programs to provide exceptional care close to home. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you to everyone who participated in this annual tradition and helped make it such an overwhelming success.”
Funds raised through the campaign will be directed to areas of greatest need, including equipment and programs that enhance patient care, comfort and safety. The foundation says donations support everything from advanced diagnostic tools to innovative hospital programs, helping ensure high-quality care remains available close to home.
The foundation also credited local businesses for helping make the campaign a success. Sponsors this year included Western Equipment Limited, Fairway Wealth Management, FirstOntario Credit Union, MC Business Solutions, Jayden Construction and Salus Mutual.
“The Christmas Wish Tree is about more than fundraising,” Mitchell said. “It’s about honouring loved ones, celebrating memories, and coming together as a community. The love and support that our donors demonstrate each year allows us to continue providing care and comfort when it matters most.”
Individuals honoured during the campaign are recognized on the foundation’s digital honouree wall and in a special Christmas Wish Tree tribute video celebrating those remembered and the generosity shared throughout the community.
The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation thanked donors, volunteers, families and sponsors for supporting the 2025 campaign and said more information about the Christmas Wish Tree and other fundraising initiatives is available at ckhaf.ca.
