Help Tree of Hope shine bright

Sundre and surrounding area residents are encouraged to help make the sixth annual Tree of Hope shine as brightly as possible.

The annual event raises funds for the Sundre Palliative Care Association's efforts to provide individuals and families with a support network during life's final journey, said Jo-Anne McDonald, organizer.

Any amount donated results in one of two colours of bulb being lit, she said.

"Blue bulbs are lit in memory of loved ones who have passed on, while red bulbs send a message of hope to those who need support," she told the Round Up.

"The Tree of Hope is a bright spot of inspiration, hope and honouring memories."

Pledge forms are available at numerous local businesses and can be dropped off at the Sundre Hospital and Care Centre's admissions counter during regular weekday hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The association uses the money raised to provide quality and compassionate end-of-life care for palliative patients in the community, she said.

This year's tree lighting ceremony will be held in conjunction with Sundown in Sundre on Friday, Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m. on the north side of the hospital's grounds. The Sundre Community Choir will be attending to perform a few songs as well, she said.

One of the goals the association has laboured towards was renovating the palliative care room at the Sundre hospital and making it more homey and comfortable for patients, a project that was successfully completed this past year courtesy of contributions from many people who offered their time and abilities, she said.

"That is a huge achievement," she told the Round Up.

"It shows what amazing community support we have," she said, adding a dedication ceremony for the revamped palliative care room is scheduled for Dec. 1 at 3 p.m.

In past years, the association successfully completed a family room and also built a gazebo in the garden, which the group remains involved in maintaining, she said.

"That has a positive impact not only on palliative care patients, but their families and other patients as well."

Having in past years raised anywhere from about $2,500 to $5,000, organizers hope in the current economic climate to raise roughly $2,500, all of which is invested in improving palliative care services in Sundre, she said.

The new Mountain View Seniors' Housing facility has a room specifically dedicated for palliative care, and the association's new long-term objective is to raise sufficient funds to furnish the room, she said.

"That's our future goal."

When the association first came together, a motivating factor was to raise awareness within the community about palliative care, she said.

"It's not something people talk about until they need it."

Opening the doors for discussion also helps to inform anyone who might not be aware that support is available, she said, adding the association wants to be involved to help not only someone who has been diagnosed as palliative, but their family and friends as well.

"It gives me a lot of joy to help other people and to bring this awareness," she said when asked what keeps her passionate about remaining involved, adding that working with "an amazing group of women" is also a privilege.

The association also sponsors the annual Candlelight Service of Remembrance, which provides an opportunity for people to get together and reminisce about loved ones who have passed on. That event is scheduled to take place at the Mountain View Seniors' Housing lodge starting at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 10.

"We're there to just be supportive," she said.

"Everyone can be affected by a life-shortening illness at one point or another. The Sundre Palliative Care Association will be here to lend a hand to hold, an ear to hear, a shoulder to cry on, and a heart to grieve with."