January 28, 2009

Community support made Tree of Lights campaign a success

The Renfrew Victoria Hospital Foundation’s annual Tree of Lights fund-raiser has been deemed a community success well before the March 31 closing date for this year’s campaign.

“Once again, the people of the area are coming forward to support our hospital in no uncertain terms,” comments Jim Lemenchick, President of the RVH Foundation.

“It is so inspiring to see this level of support, especially when the news about our economy is so full of uncertainty these days,” he adds. “This is a beam of hope, and a clear message that our community will continue to care for one another in good times and in bad.”

Funds raised this year are being dedicated to the RVH CT fund. The hospital will be investing nearly $3 million in the next few months to bring this important diagnostic service to Renfrew.

“This is a very significant advance in health care in our community,” comments RVH CEO Randy Penney. “CT technology is a tool our professionals require to meet their patients’ needs.”

All of the funding for CT has to be provided by the local community. At this time, there is no government funding available to help cover the costs.

To date, the Tree of Lights fund has received nearly $90,000 in donations. The campaign will remain open until March 31, the end of the current fiscal year.

“This is our major outreach of the year,” explains RVH Foundation Director Barb Desilets. “While it’s focused on a Christmas theme and highlighted by our Tree of Lights in Low Square, the hospital’s commitment to care and our community’s commitment to RVH is ongoing.”

Organizers are pleased with all aspects of this year’s campaign, from the turn-out at the lighting ceremony on a cold December evening to the response of the general public and those who received the Tree of Lights mail-out. Donations have been received from throughout the region, with a number of new contributors joining this year’s campaign.

The Tree of Lights tradition invites hospital supporters to make donations in memory of a loved one or in honour of someone special. The names of those honoured in this special way will be posted with the list of our Tree of Lights supporters on the RVH Foundation website (www.rvhfoundation.com).

“We want to thank everyone who has responded once again to our annual fund-raising campaign,” comments Penney. “The support of our community is an inspiration to everyone who works at RVH. We want the people of this area to know that we will continue to do everything in our power to earn their ongoing trust and support, and we will match their dedication to quality health care in our community.”

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(For more information contact Barb Desilets, Director, Renfrew Victoria Hospital Foundation, 613-432-4851, ext. 263.)