The Northern Star is back for a 15th year!

Representatives of the foundations of eight New Brunswick hospitals launched the 15th annual Northern Star Campaign this morning, in partnership with UNI Financial Cooperation.

All the profits from the Northern Star Campaign will go to the various participating foundations so that they can meet the health care needs in their respective regions. Mini-trees are now available for purchase at a cost of $2, $5, $10 or $20 from your local UNI point of service and some businesses in the participating regions.

The eight participating foundations are:

• Chaleur Regional Hospital Foundation (Bathurst);
• Fondation Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus Inc. (Caraquet);
• Foundation of the Friends of the Grand Falls General Hospital Inc. (Grand Falls);
• La Fondation de l’Hôpital de Lamèque (Lamèque);
• Friends of Healthcare Foundation (Campbellton);
• Fondation Dr Romaric Boulay (Saint-Quentin);
• The Friends of the Stella-Maris-de-Kent Foundation (Sainte-Anne-de-Kent);
• Fondation Les Amis de l’Hôpital de Tracadie (Tracadie).

Mr. Gilles Lanteigne, President and Chief Executive Officer of Vitalité Health Network, reiterated the importance of a campaign such as the Northern Star: “Since the beginning, you have been supporting Vitalité Health Network’s projects, but at the same time, what you are really supporting is our communities. These communities have needs, and you are making every effort to meet these needs through concrete projects.”

The lighting of dedicated Christmas trees, holiday-themed figures and community Christmas trees near the hospitals will take place in the evening of Wednesday, December 4. People are invited to attend and show their support.

The foundations also took advantage of the campaign launch to unveil the new image of the Northern Star. The new mini-tree, which is now available, bears the colours and shapes of the UNI Financial Cooperation logo and reflects a spirit of collaboration with foundations, therefore creating a holiday atmosphere, a friendly moment that appeals to generosity and sharing.