Valley residents attended the 25th annual Tree of Lights Celebration at the Barry’s Bay Railway Station to honour the memory of loved ones in the annual kick-off to the holiday season hosted by St.Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation (SFVHF). As usual Angels from local schools helped St.Francis Memorial Hospital Board Chair, Kevin Quade, and Santa Claus illuminate the tree. Above (Photo: Roger Prince) This year’s Angels included Karli Welk of Killaloe Public School, Aaliyah Nicolas of George Vanier Catholic School, Harris Hardy of Palmer Rapids Public School, Riley Whyte of Whitney Public School, Hollie Grace Klentz of St. Martins Catholic School, Isabelle Luckovitch of St. John Bosco School, Kaydence Towns of Madawaska Valley District School, and Paige and Tori Brotton of St. Andrews Catholic School.
Suzanne Madore, CEO of St.Francis Memorial Hospital (SFMH), welcomed the crowd and thanked SFVHF for organizing the event and for its work providing equipment and support to SFMH, Valley Manor and MV Hospice.
SFVHF Executive Director, Erin Gienow, introduced SFMH Chief of Staff, Dr. Daniel Ostapowicz to speak about how the essential equipment raised by this campaign directly impacts the comfort and care of hospital patients. Gienow also expressed appreciation for the many sponsors of the evening as follows:
- For the planting of a new, live tree on site – the Township of Madawaska Valley, Yantha Backhoe & Trucking; Janet Adams & Nathalie Spratt; Shelley Bellisle; Patricia & Gregory Scott; and Jo Anne & Michael Truskoski
- Dr. Joe Cybulski for the larger, temporary tree used this year while the permanent tree grows
- Madawaska Coffee for hot drinks
- SFMH Dietary team for delicious cookies
- Simmons Sport Horses for Santa’s miniature horses
- Stan and Sherry Quesnelle for the sound system
- Station Keepers Singers who provided live music
- the many volunteers working on Tree of Lights campaign
While thanking local media partners, Gienow made special mention of Gerald Tracey and The Eganville Leader since 2025 marks the last Christmas they will be publishing.
As SFMH Board Chair Kevin Quade led the illumination of the tree, Marnie Williamson held the ceremonial candle. Click here to read her story.
All photos: Roger Prince
After the ceremony people lingered to visit with Santa and his mini-petting zoo, enjoy coffee and cookies, pop into the Railway Station, or do some holiday shopping while the retailers of downtown Barry’s Bay stayed open late for this year’s Moonlight Madness.
SFVHF accepts contributions for the Tree of Lights campaign until 31st December 2025. Donations can be made online at www.sfvhfoundation.com, in person at the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation located at 7 St. Francis Memorial Drive, or by calling 613-756-3045 ext. 217.