With the Wallaceburg lighting ceremony now complete, the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation is continuing its 36th annual Christmas Wish Tree campaign, inviting residents to honour or remember loved ones while supporting local healthcare.
The Foundation said the campaign remains a long-standing holiday tradition across the community, encouraging meaningful donations that help strengthen care at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance. The Chatham lighting ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. in the Riverside Courtyard at CKHA’s Grand Avenue West site.
Officials described the tree lighting events as evenings filled with “music, reflection, and community spirit,” noting families gather each year to honour people who “continue to shine brightly in their hearts.”
Proceeds support CKHAF’s Highest Priority Needs Fund, which provides flexible, timely support for equipment and program needs. Current hospital priorities include investments in diagnostic imaging and mammography services in Chatham, along with progress on the Our Hospital, Our Future redevelopment project at the Wallaceburg site.
Each donation made to the campaign honours someone special and contributes to patient care across both sites. Names are added to the Foundation’s online honouree wall, included in weekly social media tributes, and featured in a tribute video released at the end of the campaign.
“We’re grateful to see our community continue to embrace this beloved tradition year after year,” said Christine Mitchell, CKHAF president and CEO. “Every light on our Christmas Wish Trees represents someone who has left a lasting mark on our lives, and every donation helps make a meaningful difference for patients and families right here at home.”
More than 25,000 households received the Foundation’s annual holiday card for the Wish Tree campaign, a tradition that helps connect families and highlight the impact of tribute gifts.
Donations can be made online here, by phone, by mail or in person at Foundation offices in Chatham and Wallaceburg. Sponsors for this year’s campaign include Western Equipment Ltd., Fairway Wealth Management, FirstOntario Credit Union, Jayden Construction, Salus Mutual and MC Business Solutions.
