TREE OF LIGHTS CAMPAIGN

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Volunteers lend a hand to kick off annual Tree of Lights Campaign

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.

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 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.

This year’s Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place Thursday, 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.