Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation’s 23rd Annual Christmas Tree Festival Raises over $130,000
December 2, 2015
LETHBRIDGE — The Christmas Season has officially kicked off with the completion of the 2015 Christmas Tree Festival. The annual holiday tradition, presented this year by Stringam Denecky LLP, raises funds for the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation.
In total, more than 3000 people visited the Festival, which was once again held in the Canadian Western Bank Lounge at the ENMAX Centre. Themes of trees this year included Alice in Wonderland, 12 Days of Christmas, Santa Claus, Seas n’ Greetings and Vintage Christmas, just to name a few. All together there were 26 trees, each decorated and sponsored by local businesses, individuals and community groups.
The event was wrapped up with the Gala and Auction on Wednesday, November 25th. All of the trees, along with a number of other items, were auctioned off by Balog Auction Services Inc. In total, just over $130,000 was raised. All of the proceeds will stay here in Lethbridge, for the benefit of the Chinook Regional Hospital. “Once again we are overwhelmed by the success of the Christmas Tree Festival, but also the incredible support we continue to receive from the members of our community”, says Jason VandenHoek, Executive Director of the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation. “The funds raised by this year’s Festival will be used to enhance new and renovated spaces associated with the hospital’s ongoing Redevelopment Project”.
Many trees purchased at this year’s auction were generously donated to community organizations within the city of Lethbridge. The Tree of Hope, decorated and sponsored by the University of Lethbridge, included 1000 letters written by local school children that will be delivered to inpatients at the Chinook Regional Hospital over the holidays.
The Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation raises, receives and distributes funds for equipment and programs that will enhance patient services and health programs in our community. This support will go to any area of need in the Chinook Regional Hospital but specifically toward medical equipment, facilities, staff and patient education, health promotion programs and patient services.
