Blue and red LED lights once again adorn a tree on the grounds at the Sundre Hospital and Care Centre, intended to shine as a beacon of courage and optimism for people not only facing life’s final journey, but their families and friends as well.
The seventh annual Tree of Hope is a campaign that raises funds for the Sundre Palliative Care Association, which among other initiatives strives to provide patients and families with a support network during a difficult period, said Jo-Anne McDonald, organizer and volunteer member with the association.
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. This year’s official tree lighting ceremony is scheduled to coincide with Sundown in Sundre events on Friday, Nov. 30 starting at about 5:30 p.m., with the Sundre Community Choir slated to sing some Christmas carols, said McDonald.
This year, the lights were mounted in a different but nearby tree, she said, adding an effort is made to change it around every couple of years to reduce the stress on any particular tree’s branches, she said.
A FortisAlberta power line technician was out recently mounting new LED lights ahead of the ceremony, and long-term care patients will have a clear, unobstructed view of the display from their windows at the hospital, she said.
“The lights being taken down will be reused along with some new ones to really brighten the tree,” she said.
“With Fortis coming and decorating the tree, we’ll be able to put lots of new lights.”
Fundraiser pledge forms are available at the hospital’s front desk as well as numerous local businesses, she said.
“On our best year of the fundraiser, we’ve raised about $4,000,” she said, hoping to this time around reach at least $3,000.
The association has in the past helped fund projects and upgrades as well as equipment acquisitions at the hospital, she said, adding the organization has also been “making good inroads” over at the Sundre Seniors’ Supportive Living facility.
“We have our meetings there now,” she said.
Aside from providing funds for projects and equipment, McDonald said the association also prioritizes making available educational opportunities for local health-care professionals by, for example, covering fees to attend seminars, courses and conferences.
“We’ve done that for quite a few of the nursing staff and doctors.”
The Tree of Hope campaign is all about supporting the community’s residents, she said, adding palliative care is a crucial service that we will all some day require.
“We’re not only there for patients but for their families as well.”
McDonald has been involved with helping to organize the annual campaign since the fundraiser first started and said the initiative is “something that’s near and dear to my heart.”
Meanwhile, the association is also getting ready for the annual Candlelight Service of Remembrance, which will take place Sunday, Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. in the Sundre Seniors’ Supportive Living facility’s north meeting rooms, said Diana Kleinloog, president of the palliative care association.
The gathering offers a time to remember and reflect on lost loved ones, she said.
The association always wants to hear from residents in terms of what the organization can do for the community, she said, adding anyone who is inclined is welcome to contact her at 403-335-8481, or alternatively by email at [email protected].
Recognizing that health-care facilities have limited budgets, a big focus for the association remains creating educational opportunities. Other organizations such as Greenwood Neighbourhood Place also play a role towards that objective, and plans are tentatively in place to facilitate local participation in a conference planned for next summer in Olds, she said.
Teepa Snow, an international speaker who has built a reputation as a dementia care guru, is expected to be at the TransCanada Theatre. Anyone is encouraged to attend, she said, adding the presentation will benefit not only medical professionals but also families or caregivers who are seeking insight on ways to better help someone who is coping with the condition, which is only becoming a growing societal concern.
“It’s not clear for everyone how to treat people with dementia,” she said, adding the intent of Snow’s presentation is to offer “some tips on providing compassionate care for dementia patients.”
