Submitted by St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation
A team of festive elves were making spirits bright on November 8. That day, at the Royal Canadian Legion, Barry’s Bay Branch 406, volunteers spent hours preparing letters and envelopes for the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation’s annual Tree of Lights Campaign. Above, seated from left: Karen McLeister, Julie Callon, Maxine Smaglinski, Jane Beahan, Ashly Dombroskie and Carly Mullin. Standing, from left: Arlene Kubisheski, Bev Burchat, Donna Burchat, Pauline Burchat, Sue McAllister, Sharon Florent and St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation Executive Director Erin Gienow. Photo submitted.
This year’s campaign letter profiles Dawn and Dorothy Hannah of Barry’s Bay, who shared their story on how the ultrasound machine at St. Francis Memorial Hospital helped contribute to saving Dawn’s life. The 2022 Tree of Lights Campaign hopes to raise money for the hospital, in an effort to purchase a new ultrasound machine which comes with a hefty price tag of $200,000.
Hosting a work bee not only allows volunteers to come together and share in the spirit of the holidays; it also helps reduce costs for the Foundation.
SFVH Foundation Executive Director Erin Gienow said that while many charities use the services of a mail house to assist with the distribution of letters, the Foundation relies on the kind contributions of many volunteers.
“The mail-out is a huge undertaking and the help of volunteers is extremely important,” remarked Gienow. “The selfless time and energy that they provide to us on this day minimizes our overall costs and ensures a very efficient campaign.”
The Christmas Campaign is a special one because people have the opportunity to purchase bulbs to help light the tree in memory, honour or appreciation of someone special. The person’s name is written on a bulb card along with a message and is displayed at the hospital. A popular idea is to purchase a bulb as a gift for a loved one and the Foundation will send the recipient a certificate acknowledging the gift.
In addition to the mail-out, the Foundation will be bringing back the Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Railway Station in Barry’s Bay. On Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m., the community is invited to the ceremony which will include the musical talents of Cori Coulas and the Hospital Choir, treats and refreshments, horse-drawn sleigh rides and more. Each donation made to the foundation represents one of the bulbs lit on the outdoor Christmas tree.
“This holiday season, we will depend on the Hospital to be there for us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, ready with critical equipment, like the ultrasound machine, to ensure we get the care that we need,” Gienow explained. “That is why we hope that everyone will consider supporting our Christmas campaign with a kind gift to ensure that the Hospital can do just that!” Giving is easy. Donations can be made in the following ways:
- Fill out the donation card that comes in the mail and send it in or drop it off at the Foundation Office;
- Drop off at the Bank of Montreal or Northern Credit Union in Barry’s Bay;
- Give the Foundation a call at 613-756-3045 ext. 217 or donate online at www.sfvhfoundation.com
St.Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation(2022,Nov.7) Busy elves prepare for hospital fundraising campaign – Tree lighting ceremony is back in Barry’s Bay [media release]
All photos submitted.
