The Christmas season is fast approaching and it is time for the annual Trees of Hope Campaign. The “Trees of Hope Campaign” runs annually from November 15 until January 15 and solicits donations to generate financial support for the Palliative Care Program.
This annual campaign was started in 1998 by the Local Palliative Care Committee. Charter members of this committee were local volunteers: Eileen Schmidt, Cheryl Gravelle, Dianne Hyland, Leva Olstad and Marge Wallwork. The first community Palliative Care Volunteer was Rosella Hadnagy and the first Palliative Care Coordinator was Dianne Hyland. This community group ran the campaign successfully until 2011 when, on their request, it was formally transitioned to Bow Island & District Health Foundation, on condition that the annual campaign in support of Palliative care programs would continue.
Donors are given the opportunity to make donations “In Memory” of a loved one or simply to send “Holiday Wishes.” The donations are represented by decorating the evergreen trees at the front of the hospital with lights. The donations are recognized publicly in the Commentator. Clear lights are lit in memory of deceased loved ones and coloured lights represent Holiday Wishes.
Over the years, the proceeds have been utilized for refurbishing/furnishing rooms for palliative care patients, purchasing furniture and equipment (such as special care mattresses), and purchasing supplies for use by Home Care Staff for palliative care patients in the community.
Trees of Hope donations may be made:
- By mail – with cheques made payable to Bow Island & District Health Foundation
- Bag 3990, Bow Island, AB., T0K 0G0
- In Person - Drop off at the Bow Island Foundation office – cash or cheque
- By e-transfer to "donate@BIDFoundation.ca"
- Please remember to include: your name, address, phone number, email address (if applicable), and the category of the donation – In Memory of whom or Christmas Wishes.
- Pay by Credit Card by filling out the donation form below.
Please feel free to donate online via our donation form below.
Thank you for your support!