Christmas Wish Tree raises over $128,000 for Warming Cabinets at CKHA

Chatham-Kent Health Alliance Foundation’s (CKHAF) 33rd annual Christmas Wish Tree fundraising campaign has drawn to a close after two months of incredible generosity from across our community. This year’s campaign raised a grand total of $128,926, honouring over 700 family members, friends, and loved ones throughout Chatham-Kent and beyond.

“The success of this year’s fundraising campaign would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our community members and sponsors,” said Bob Hockney, CKHAF Board Chair. “The overwhelming response that our Christmas Wish Tree campaign receives every year illustrates how meaningful this local holiday tradition is here in Chatham-Kent, and further demonstrates our community’s strong commitment to supporting local healthcare.”

For the third consecutive year, the 33rd annual Christmas Wish Tree campaign was presented by Karen Ewald, Senior Portfolio Manager and Wealth Advisor at RBC Wealth Management Dominion Securities. Other campaign sponsors included MC Business Solutions, Western Equipment Ltd., WINMAR International Ltd., and Five Star Tool and Die Ltd.

Proceeds from this year’s campaign will support the purchase of new Warming Cabinets for Chatham-Kent Health Alliance’s (CKHA) Chatham and Wallaceburg sites. These cabinets have been identified as a high priority need for replacement at CKHA, as they ensure that blankets are kept warm to help patients remain comfortable during their stay in hospital.

“Thanks to the incredible generosity from throughout our community, this year’s campaign will have a direct impact for CKHA patients in Chatham and Wallaceburg,” stated Mary Lou Crowley, CKHAF President & CEO. “While simple, these Warming Cabinets provide the type of comfort that can make all the difference when you or a loved one end up in hospital. Thanks to support from across Chatham-Kent, more of our family, friends, and neighbours will feel that warmth when they need it most.”

Once again this year, the Foundation was proud to honour the lives and legacies of local healthcare advocates that we lost in 2022. These individuals passionately supported the Foundation and hospital, acting as leaders within our philanthropic community. To recognize their legacies, a purple bulb was illuminated on the Christmas Wish Tree for each Legacy of Giving Honouree during the lighting ceremonies at CKHA’s Wallaceburg site on December 14, and at CKHA’s Chatham site on December 15.

This year’s Honourees were Dr. Angelita Allen, Steve Bilodeau, Rex Crawford, John Meko Sr., Richard (Dick) Pollock, and Ruth Tetrault.

“We were blown away by how many community members joined us for this year’s lighting ceremonies in Wallaceburg and Chatham,” said Hockney. “There is something very special about coming together in person to light the Christmas Wish Trees and to honour and remember all of the loved ones that we hold close in our hearts, particularly during the holiday season.”