HDGH Foundation
Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare continues 34-year tradition of 2020 Tree of Lights Campaign
November 17, 2020
WINDSOR, ON - Continuing upon a steadfast 34-year holiday tradition, today Windsor’s west-end community-based hospital Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare and its Foundation launched the annual Tree of Lights Campaign. In years past, an event where HDGH staff and family would have traditionally gathered in its main lobby emotionally reading and placing an ornament in remembrance of a loved one, this year safety precautions set forth because of COVID-19 have required a unique change.
This morning HDGH’s Executive Team were present representing more than 1,300 staff, physicians and the Solcz Family Foundation as 2020’s honorary Tree Lighters, in continuing a tradition that has become the fabric of the Windsor/Essex Community. The event was also live-streamed on the hospital’s Facebook page for all to experience, including the well-anticipated moment where more than 2000 lights are lit marking the official HDGH start to the holiday season.
During the live stream, Bill Marra, Executive Director of the HDGH Foundation shared a message from the Solcz Family. "On behalf of my family, I want to thank HDGH for thinking of us for this opportunity. We are so grateful for our partnership with HDGH and the HDGH Foundation. On behalf of the Solcz Family and the Solcz Family Foundation, we are donating $10,000 toward the 2020 Tree of Lights Campaign."
This year, funds will go to a variety of comfort items recognized by HDGH frontline staff from patient-need. Donors can choose specifically how they would like their funds directed. For example, patients in HDGH’s inpatient mental health unit have requested fleece blankets, while toiletry and self-care items have been identified as a need from other inpatient units and HDGH’s Regional Children’s Centre.
“While our world has changed what has not is HDGH’s inherent resilience and called upon confidence of serving our community for over 130 years,” said Marra. “The last few months have allowed us to even further learn the needs of our patients and clients. We are asking our community who are experiencing the effects of these times and wanting to help to please consider HDGH’s Annual Tree of Lights Campaign.”
To take part in the campaign, individuals can visit www.HDGH.org/TreeOfLights and complete the donation form where they can also include the name of a loved one they would like to honour. In recognition of the donation, the HDGH team will decorate their tree with a paper ornament on behalf of the remarkable person who has had a significant impact in that donor’s life. All donors will also receive a paper ornament to do the same in their own homes.
The Windsor/Essex community had always been one of generosity with a strong belief that we belong to each other. We live in a community where we truly trust that we can “Change Lives Together.” For 34- years and counting, The Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare Tree of Lights Campaign will continue to be this proof where a small offering of big love can make a patient’s holiday brighter.