Over $128,000 has been raised to keep patients comfortable while receiving care at the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance.
The CKHA Foundation’s 33rd annual Christmas Wish Tree campaign has drawn to a close, raising a grand total of $128,926 and honouring over 700 family members, friends, and loved ones throughout Chatham-Kent and beyond.
“The success of this year’s fundraising campaign would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our community members and sponsors,” said Bob Hockney, CKHAF Board Chair. “The overwhelming response that our Christmas Wish Tree campaign receives every year illustrates how meaningful this local holiday tradition is here in Chatham-Kent, and further demonstrates our community’s strong commitment to supporting local healthcare.”
Proceeds from this year’s campaign will support the purchase of new Warming Cabinets for CKHA’s Chatham and Wallaceburg sites. These cabinets have been identified as a high priority need for replacement as they ensure that blankets are kept warm to help patients remain comfortable during their stay in hospital.
“Thanks to the incredible generosity from throughout our community, this year’s campaign will have a direct impact for CKHA patients in Chatham and Wallaceburg,” stated Mary Lou Crowley, CKHAF President & CEO. “While simple, these Warming Cabinets provide the type of comfort that can make all the difference when you or a loved one end up in hospital. Thanks to support from across Chatham-Kent, more of our family, friends, and neighbours will feel that warmth when they need it most.”
The Foundation also honoured the lives and legacies of local healthcare advocates who passed away in 2022. To recognize their legacies, a purple bulb was illuminated on the Christmas Wish Tree for each Legacy of Giving Honouree during the lighting ceremonies at CKHA’s Wallaceburg site on December 14, and at CKHA’s Chatham site on December 15. This year’s Honourees were Dr. Angelita Allen, Steve Bilodeau, Rex Crawford, John Meko Sr., Richard (Dick) Pollock, and Ruth Tetrault.