WESTLOCK – Proceeds from the annual Tree of Hope campaign will be put towards the purchase of an adjustable assessment chair and specialized wheelchairs for the Westlock Continuing Care Centre.
Ever since drawing inspiration from a similar program in Barrhead seven years ago, the centre has been collecting donations yearly to purchase much-needed items. The assessment chair and wheelchairs will benefit both acute and senior care services by improving accessibility and mobility.
Director of clinical operations Sherry Gough says the adjustable assessment chair will help with seniors exercise while the wheelchairs will see general use around the centre. Donations will be accepted until Jan. 10, 2022.
“We want to keep (the seniors) as active and mobile as possible,” said Gough who notes that both help with that.
With the chair sporting a hefty price tag of $4,000 and the chairs costing around $2,500 each, Gough hopes to raise around the same amount as last year.
In 2020, $16,000 was raised and used to get the Westlock Healthcare Centre’s six fireplaces back in working order, while the remaining money covered upgrades to the window coverings on the south and west-facing resident rooms.
While it may be a high bar to clear, Gough says she is confident Westlock will come through.
“The community continues to surprise us every year and we’re always impressed with community support. It’s so great for these initiatives,” said Gough.
Ornaments can be purchased and put on the Tree of Hope that is on display at the main entrances of the hospital and continuing care centre. Donations of $10, $20, $25, $50 buys either a teddy bear, candy cane, candle, or red bulb ornament, while $100 buys a bell ornament and $500 gets a bronze star. A $1,000 donation pays for a silver star, $2,000 gets a gold star and a Christmas Tree, and a donation of $5,000 will light an angel on top of the Tree of Hope.
Donations can be dropped off at the hospital or continuing care front desk. All cheques are to be made payable to Alberta Health Services and ‘Westlock Tree of Hope’ is to be entered in the memo portion.
For more information about the Tree of Hope and how to donate, contact the Westlock Healthcare Centre at 780-349-3301.
