The 36th Annual Christmas Wish Tree campaign is underway in Chatham-Kent, with the trees set to be lit this week.
The long-standing tradition invites community members to honour loved ones as well as support patient care at Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA).
Proceeds from this year's campaign will support CKHAF's Highest Priority Needs Fund, which provides flexible, timely support for the hospital's most urgent equipment and program requirements. Current priorities at the hospital include ongoing investments in Diagnostic Imaging and Mammography services at the hospital's Chatham site, as well as continued progress on the Our Hospital, Our Future Redevelopment Project at CKHA's Wallaceburg site.
"We're grateful to see our community continue to embrace this beloved tradition year after year," said Christine Mitchell, President and CEO of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation (CKHAF). "Every light on our Christmas Wish Trees represents someone who has left a lasting mark on our lives, and every donation helps make a meaningful difference for patients and families right here at home."
Two tree lighting ceremonies will take place at the CKHA hospitals again this year.
The Wallaceburg ceremony is at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3, at 325 Margaret Ave.
The Chatham ceremony takes place at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 4, at 80 Grand Avenue West in the Riverside Courtyard.
"We look forward to welcoming everyone at this week's ceremonies as we celebrate generosity, remembrance, and the joy of the season," Mitchell said.
Community members wishing to participate in this year's campaign may donate online, by phone at 519-436-2538, by mail, or in person at the Foundation offices in Chatham and Wallaceburg.
All names received are added to the Foundation's online Honouree Wall, featured in weekly social media tributes, and included in a special Honouree Video shared at the end of the campaign.
