Hundreds of lights on the Tree of Hope represent loved ones who are missed.
Every year, the Bonnyville Health Foundation holds their Tree of Hope fundraiser. It has been raising money for Bonnyville Palliative Care for over two decades.
“It was started to help families remember people who had passed on, by lighting a light on their behalf on the Tree of Hope,” detailed Ellen Buchanan, respiratory therapist on the Bonnyville Palliative Care Committee, adding people also have the option of purchasing a light to wish season’s greetings.
“It’s special to everyone because it gives them a chance to remember someone who has passed on,” she continued.
The program was offered for the first time over 20 years ago, Buchanan recalled.
“It’s grown quite a bit, and it’s actually something a lot of people look forward to every year because it’s sustained itself,” she described. “Families always look forward to it because they like to remember their loved ones.”
This year, the Tree of Hope raised over $2,600.
“I think it’s very successful, even before it kicks off we have people asking when it’s going to start. It’s very important to a lot of people,” noted Courtney Pitcher, administrative support for the Bonnyville Health Foundation. “I think it warms their hearts. It’s a special time at Christmas that can be hard for many people who have lost a loved one. They’re not there with them anymore, so it’s a way that they can remember them.”
Buchanan noted the funds are for not only those at the Bonnyville hospital, but also palliative care patients living in their homes.
“The funds go towards palliative care needs, so that’s buying equipment for people who have any palliative needs within the hospital or the community.”
In the past, the initiative has raised money for equipment, two palliative care rooms at the hospital, and more.
Over the years, they’ve seen a fluctuation in the amount of donations coming in, but there’s never a shortage of support for the program in the area.
“It’s always had a very positive response from the community. It’s been our way of working with and giving back to the community,” Buchanan expressed.
The Tree of Hope has wrapped up for the year, but runs for four weeks every December.
For more information on the program, or the Bonnyville Health Foundation, visit their website.
