Community spirit shines at Tree of Lights celebration

The 23rd Annual Tree of Lights celebration was held on Friday, December 1, 2023, at the Barry’s Bay Railway Station in Madawaska Valley, Ontario. The event was organized by the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation, which raises funds for equipment and services for St. Francis Memorial Hospital.

The Tree of Lights is a symbolic gesture of remembrance and gratitude. It honors the memory of those who have passed away and touched the lives of many in the community. It also expresses appreciation to the donors who support the hospital foundation throughout the year.

Cheryl Reid, Chair of the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation Board of Directors, welcomed everyone to the celebration. She thanked the volunteers, sponsors, and staff who made the event possible. She also acknowledged the presence of Kevin Quade, Chair of the St. Francis Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, who brought greetings from the hospital.

Reid emphasized the importance of fundraising initiatives like the Tree of Lights campaign, which enables the hospital to purchase critical equipment to care for patients when they need it most. She said that many people do not know that medical equipment is not funded by the government, and that the hospital relies on the generosity of the community to meet its needs.

This year’s campaign is raising funds to help purchase a new mammography machine for the hospital, which will come at a cost of more than $400,000. Reid said that this machine will provide better quality images and reduce the waiting time for patients who need breast cancer screening.

Dr. Jason Malinowski, Chief of Staff at the hospital, provided insight as to the important benefits that having the machine available locally means to the community. He said that early detection of breast cancer can save lives and improve outcomes. He also said that having the machine at St. Francis in Madawaska Valley will reduce the travel time and stress for patients who currently have to go to other cities for mammography.

Erin Gienow, Executive Director of the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation, introduced the tree lighting ceremony. She recognized the Township of Madawaska Valley and staff for arranging the tree and sponsoring the event. She also thanked Madawaska Coffee for supplying hot beverages, the dietary department of St. Francis for baking the delicious cookies, and Simmons Sport Horses for assisting Santa with their mini horses, which were a big hit with young and old alike.

Gienow invited everyone to join in a countdown to light up the tree, which was decorated with hundreds of lights and ornaments. Each light represented a donation made in memory or in honor of a loved one. As the tree sparkled in the night, a moment of silence was observed to remember those who were no longer with us. (Below: Santa with the team from Simmons Show Horses and with Erin Gienow)

Gienow also announced that the hospital foundation celebrated Giving Tuesday on November 28, 2023, where donations were matched dollar for dollar through the generosity of local service clubs. raising $38,453 towards the $400,000 price tag of the new mammography machine. She encouraged everyone to donate to the Christmas campaign, which runs until the end of December. She said that every donation makes a difference and helps the hospital provide the best care possible.

The event concluded with a visit from Santa Claus. Santa greeted the children and handed out candy canes. He also posed for photos with the attendees, who enjoyed the festive atmosphere and the spirit of giving.

The Tree of Lights celebration was a success, thanks to the support and participation of the community. It demonstrated the strong bond and the shared vision that the people of Madawaska Valley have for their hospital and their healthcare. It also showed that community spirit is alive and well in this region.

One of the highlights of the evening was the group of Angels from our area elementary schools who assisted with the tree lighting. These children were selected by their schools having demonstrated kindness, compassion and helpfulness in their classroom or school. (Pictured above with Santa) The Tree of Light Angels were:

  • Oaklyn Jessup – George Vanier Catholic School
  • Willow Chapeskie Killaloe Public School
  • Lydia Hein Palmer Rapids Public School
  • Laura Ostapowicz St. John Bosco School
  • Sawyer Furniss St. Marin’s of Tours Catholic School
  • Teddy Towns Sherwood Public School
  • Grace Towns Whitney Public School

The event also coincided with the moonlight madness sale, where local merchants offered great deals to shoppers. The sale was a way to support the local economy and to encourage people to shop locally. The local merchants are an integral part of the community and deserve recognition and appreciation for their products and services.

The Tree of Lights celebration and the moonlight madness sale were both examples of how Madawaska Valley celebrates and supports its community. The event was a reminder of the values and the culture that make this region a wonderful place to live, work, and play.

All photos courtesy the author.

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