Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation’s 25th Annual Christmas Tree Festival Raises Record Breaking $230,000
November 23, 2017
LETHBRIDGE — The Christmas Season officially kicked off with the completion of the 2017 Christmas Tree Festival. The annual holiday tradition, presented once again by Stringam LLP, raises funds for the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation.
The event was wrapped up in spectacular fashion with the Gala and Auction on Wednesday, November 22nd. All of the trees, along with a number of other items, were auctioned off by Balog Auction Services Inc. In total, over $230,000 was raised – smashing the previous record set last year by over $80,000. “Once again we are blown away by the support shown to us by the individuals and business in Lethbridge and surrounding area – we really can’t thank them enough” says Jason VandenHoek, Executive Director of the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation. “There was a great deal of excitement around this year’s auction and we had an amazing evening.”
All of the proceeds will stay here in Lethbridge, for the benefit of the Chinook Regional Hospital. The funds raised by this year’s Festival are earmarked to support the ongoing renovation and redevelopment of the Mental Health area at the Chinook Regional Hospital.
In total, more than 4,000 people visited the Festival, which was once again held in the Canadian Western Bank Lounge at ENMAX Centre. Themes of trees this year included Rustic Glam, SNOW DAY!, #Emoji Magic and Tree of Time, just to name a few. All together there were 25 trees, each decorated and sponsored by local businesses, individuals and community groups.
Many trees purchased at this year’s auction were generously donated to community organizations within the city of Lethbridge. Organizations such as Youth One, Boys & Girls Club, Lethbridge Family Services and St. Michael’s Health Centre all will receive Christmas Trees donated to them by various business and individuals. The Secret Garden decorated and sponsored by the University of Lethbridge, included $2,500 worth of books – all of which were donated to Gilbert Paterson School by the purchaser.
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.
