Illuminating trees so that our health care can keep shining

For a 15th consecutive year, several hospital foundations from Vitalité Health Network illuminated their fir trees simultaneously. This means that more than a hundred trees were illuminated tonight at 7 p.m. in front of the Chaleur Regional Hospital, Enfant-Jésus RHSJ† Hospital, Lamèque Hospital and Community Health Centre, Tracadie Hospital, Campbellton Regional Hospital, Grand Fall General Hospital, Hôtel-Dieu Saint-Joseph de Saint-Quentin and Stella-Maris-de-Kent Hospital. Several people came out to attend the ceremony and to dedicate a Christmas tree in the name of a person or group of their choice in return for a $200 contribution.

“The lighting of the Christmas trees is an important activity during the Northern Star. It allows us to take a step back and appreciate everything around us, while remembering those who have left us or honouring a loved one. By illuminating the entrance of our hospitals, we are also creating a warm atmosphere for patients, their families and the staff,” declared Chantal Mallet, Northern Star Campaign Chair for the Chaleur region.

This unifying project was made possible thanks to a partnership between the eight foundations above and UNI Financial Cooperation. Since 2005, the Northern Star campaign has allowed us to raise in excess of 1 million dollars, which has been used in Vitalité Health Network hospitals. It is important to point out that 100% of the funds collected from the community will go toward improving the region’s health care services.

Mini-trees are still available at UNI points of service and in some businesses in the participating regions. The public is also invited to visit www.etoilenord.ca to make a donation that will help improve health care in the region.