An annual tradition in Boyle has begun and it is hoped the community will be as generous as they have been over the last 13 years.
This year marks the 14th year for the Tree of Hope campaign run by the Boyle Healthcare Centre Auxiliary.
The campaign raises money to help purchase necessary equipment for the healthcare centre that wouldn’t normally be bought through the hospital’s regular capital budget.
This year, the donations will be put towards purchasing two new Enterprise 9800 electric beds that come complete with special pressure evolve mattresses and transfer sheets.
Each compete bed will cost about $12,500 and Judy Flax, president of the Boyle Healthcare Centre Auxiliary, is confident that they can come up with a significant number of donations to get at least one bed this year.
“We have gotten some pretty amazing support from a relatively small community. We are extremely lucky to have that kind of support and very appreciative of our donors,” said Flax.
“The hospital needs to replace these pieces of equipment, especially since one is in a really bad state right now. And the special mattresses are important for those that are bedridden, as it assists in lessening bedsores and other complications.”
All donations of $10 or more will be recognized by a light bulb on a tree that will be placed outside the Boyle Healthcare Centre.
With a $50 donation or more, a special ornament with the donor’s name on it as an acknowledgement will be placed on a tree that will be set up in the lobby inside the hospital.
And in special recognition of those that make a donation of $250 or more made before next Tuesday, their names will be entered into a draw with the winning name being given the honour of lighting the star that will placed on top of a tree outside.
That ceremonial lighting of the tree will take place on Dec. 2 at 2 p.m.
“The campaign is important because this helps purchase equipment the hospital wouldn’t be able to get without this money,” explained Flax.
“We have sent out the letter outlining this year’s campaign to those on our mailing list and it’s been pretty amazing how much support we have received over the years considering the size of the community we have. We very much appreciate everyone that has made a donation previously and those that will make a donation this time around.”
Donations can be made in person at the Boyle Healthcare Centre’s admitting office between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
You can also send a donation through the mail care of the Tree of Hope, Boyle Healthcare Centre Auxiliary, Box 330, T0A 0M0. Cheques should be made out to Boyle Healthcare Centre Auxiliary.
If you need more information, you can call Flax at 780-689-3064 or Donna Larson at 780-689-2366.
