October 23, 2009

Local artists respond to RVH call for Tree of Lights Christmas card

Renfrew Victoria Hospital (RVH) supporters were surrounded by art earlier this month when they gathered to begin planning for this year’s Tree of Lights campaign.

When the call went out through the Renfrew Art Guild for submissions to adorn this year’s Christmas card, more than 30 works of art were presented as candidates.

“We had an overwhelming response,” says RVH Foundation Director Barb Desilets. “The Tree of Lights Christmas card really does have a special place in the hearts of many people, and we were gratified to receive such an enthusiastic endorsement from so many artists.”

Selected members of the community were invited to attend the showing and help choose the 2009 RVH Christmas card cover. As a result, hospital supporters will be receiving a beautiful vibrant card this year featuring a painting of a pair of cardinals in a Christmas setting. Dianne Risto of Eganville created the image using acrylic on Baltic birch board.

Risto specializes in wildlife art, and entered the tree of Lights competition after hearing about it through the Renfrew Art Guild. The painting had been a wedding gift to her daughter, who has kindly agreed to share it to allow the Christmas card prints to be made.

Risto follows a 15-year tradition of distinguished artists who have contributed to the Tree of Lights by sharing their illustrations. The cards are the centrepiece of the outreach, and are mailed to thousands of hospital supporters in recognition of their contributions to community health care and to encourage them to continue their support.

Funds raised in this year’s campaign will be directed to the RVH CT fund, which represents a capital requirement of $3 million. The CT equipment is now being installed, and the diagnostic service will be operational before the Christmas campaign is complete.

The campaign will be officially launched on Saturday, December 5 following the Santa Claus parade, with the lighting of the Tree of Lights tree in Low Square.

Anyone wishing to be added to the mailing list is invited to contact the RVH Foundation office at 613-432-4851 ext. 263.

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