Volunteers at St. Francis Memorial Hospital (SFMH) have been busy preparing thousands of letters for the St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation’s (SFVH) annual Tree of Lights Campaign, one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the Foundation. The campaign helps raise vital funds for the redevelopment of SFMH’s emergency department and ambulatory care clinic.
The mail-out, which profiles the story of Diana Shulist of Wilno and her life-saving experience in the hospital’s emergency department, will soon be sent to local residents. The 2024 campaign is part of the SFVH Foundation’s Growing Together initiative, which aims to raise $2.7 million. As of this fall, the Foundation has reached 85% of its goal, and the Tree of Lights Campaign will help close the gap.
This year’s campaign is especially meaningful as it gives the community the opportunity to honor or remember loved ones by purchasing bulbs that will light up the tree at the hospital. Each bulb represents a donation, and the name of the person being honored is displayed on a card alongside the bulb. It’s a cherished tradition, with many choosing to buy bulbs as gifts for others. The Foundation will send gift certificates to those being honored.
Foundation Executive Director Erin Gienow expressed gratitude for the hard work of the volunteers who helped prepare the letters. “The selfless time and energy that they provide to us on this day minimizes our overall costs and ensures a very efficient campaign,” she said. Unlike many charities that hire external services for mailing, the SFVH Foundation relies on the kindness of volunteers to handle the sorting, stamping, and mailing process. This helps keep the campaign’s expenses low and its impact high.
The community is invited to join in the celebrations at the Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 6 at 6:30 p.m. at the Railway Station in Barry’s Bay. The event will feature performances by the Station Keeper’s Choir, treats, refreshments, and a petting zoo, providing a festive and family-friendly atmosphere.
“This holiday season, we depend on the Hospital and its emergency department to be here for us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure we get the care that we need,” Gienow said. “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.”
Donations can be made in several ways: by filling out the donation card included with the mail-out and sending it in, dropping it off at the Foundation office, or making a donation at the Bank of Montreal or Northern Credit Union in Barry’s Bay. Donations can also be made online at www.sfvhfoundation.com or by calling the Foundation office at 613-756-3045 ext. 217.
(Written by: Emma Butler)