A decades-long fundraising campaign in support of the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation (CKHAF) has raised more than $13,000 over its original goal for 2021.
The Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation's 32nd annual Christmas Wish Tree campaign raised a grand total of $113,871, surpassing its $100,000 goal.
The Christmas Wish Tree campaign gives residents the opportunity to honour their loved ones by making a donation in their name with a light added to the Wish Tree for every donation.
According to CKHAF President and CEO Mary Lou Crowley, this year’s campaign honoured 713 individuals.
Crowley added that the proceeds will be used to help purchase new pieces of equipment for both the CKHA's Chatham and Wallaceburg sites.
"With the generosity of our community, we're able to purchase two different pieces of equipment," Crowley explained. "For Chatham, we are purchasing a patient ventilator, which as we all know, is very, very important for our hospital sites to have. For Wallaceburg, we are going to be purchasing vital sign monitors, which, once again are huge for our health care providers to have those up to date."
For the first time in two years, members of the community were invited to attend the annual tree lighting ceremonies in person in 2021.
The foundation also honoured nine members of the community, including Brenda Burgess, Helen Coyne, Pauline Holek, Carol Koke, Ed Koke, Audrey Kraemer, Gayle McClintock, Dr. John Roe, and Ron Tack. Each individual was recognized with a purple light placed on the tree as a tribute to the positive impact that they’ve had on Chatham-Kent.
"There was really something special about this year’s ceremonies," said Crowley. "The ability to celebrate in person again created a true feeling of togetherness as we honoured family and friends, as well as our special honourees."