The holiday spirit was in full swing at St. Francis Memorial Hospital as volunteers gathered to help prepare thousands of letters for the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation’s annual Tree of Lights Campaign.
The group spent the day folding, stuffing and checking over 3,100 envelopes to ensure the Foundation’s largest fundraising mail-out of the year reaches mailboxes across the region. Above: 16 hardworking volunteers folded, stuffed and sealed over 3,100 letters for the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation’s Tree of Lights Campaign, which is raising funds for local healthcare needs, including those at St. Francis Memorial Hospital’s medical unit. (Photo submitted)
This year’s campaign highlights the story of Marnie Williamson of Barry’s Bay, who shared her seven-week recovery journey in the hospital’s medical unit. Her experience reflects the impact that community support has on the quality of care available close to home.
Funds raised through the 2025 Tree of Lights Campaign will support local healthcare needs, with a focus on vital upgrades for St. Francis Memorial Hospital’s medical unit. The Foundation hopes to fund:
- 10 new patient beds ($80,000) – designed for comfort and faster recovery;
- A VAC wound healing machine ($28,000) – helping patients heal more quickly with fewer complications;
- Five patient ceiling lifts and motors ($15,000) – ensuring patients can move safely and with dignity;
- A medication dispensing system ($31,000) – improving accuracy and patient safety.
Hosting the annual “work bee” not only brings volunteers together but also helps reduce campaign costs.
“The selfless time and energy our volunteers give on this day minimize our overall costs and ensure a very efficient campaign,” said Erin Gienow, Executive Director of the Foundation. “It’s amazing what can be accomplished when people come together for a shared cause. We’re so grateful for their continued support.” The Burchat girls have been attending the Tree of Lights work bee for many years. Pictured from left: Bev, Donna and Pauline Burchat.(Photo submitted)
The Tree of Lights Campaign holds special meaning for many families. Donors can purchase bulbs to light the outdoor Christmas tree in memory, honour, or appreciation of someone special. Each name and message is displayed at the hospital on a bulb card. Many also choose to give bulbs as holiday gifts, and the Foundation provides a certificate acknowledging the donation.
Gwen Coulas (left) helps prepare material for the Tree of Lights Campaign. Jane Beahan (right) helps sort through the thousands of letters to be mailed, all with a smile on her face. (Photos submitted)
Tree of Lights Ceremony
This year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place Friday, December 5 at 6:30 p.m. at the Railway Station in Barry’s Bay. The community is invited to attend the festive evening, featuring performances by the Station Keeper’s Choir, treats and refreshments, and Santa’s petting zoo.
“This holiday season, we will depend on our hospital to be there for us 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Gienow. “That’s why we hope everyone will consider supporting the Tree of Lights Campaign to ensure the hospital can continue to provide the care our community relies on.”
Donations can be made by returning the donation card received in the mail, dropping it off at the Foundation Office, Bank of Montreal, or Northern Credit Union in Barry’s Bay, calling 613-756-3045 ext. 217, or donating online at www.sfvhfoundation.com.
Hudder,C.,SFVHF(2025,Nov.7) Tree of Lights Work Bee [media release]
“Five patient ceiling lifts and motors ($15,000) – ensuring patients can move safely and with dignity;”:- it’s not only the patients who benefit from motorized ceiling-lifts:- they are also real “life-savers” for nursing staff. Most nurses are female and slightly-built (ie “petite”) and often find themselves lifting and moving overly heavy “loads” (aka “patients”) resulting in progressive back injury. The most common work-related disability claim amongst hospital nurses is for progressive back injuries. One of my cousins was forced to retire prematurely from nursing due to back-related injuries incurred at work. Every hospital bed should have a motorized ceiling lift:- these devices make it much easier to attract and keep nursing staff. Someone should tell Doug Ford to forget about that very stupid plan to build a tunnel under the 401 in Toronto and instead use a tiny part of those funds to upgrade and modernize all the hospitals in Ontario.