Generosity shines for Tree of Life

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 01/12/2020 (2005 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The Grace Hospital Foundation’s Tree of Life fundraiser remains rooted in the community’s generosity.
Although this year has brought many unforeseen challenges, community members continue to step up and show their support.

Executive director Jon Einarson said the goal of the campaign is to surpass $100,000 overall.

“The proceeds are going towards the work to build our new diagnostic imaging department and also for our COVID-19 Fund, so it’s a dual use this year,” he said.

“It’s early in the campaign but we definitely have our fingers crossed, and Manitobans continue to be so very kind to our foundation. We’re hopeful and optimistic that the community will support us as they always do.”

The Tree of Life campaign has been running for more than two decades and has raised $2.5 million for patient care enhancements at the Grace Hospital.

Originally, plans involved lighting the Tree of Life during the Grace’s Winter Celebration. Although the event and fireworks display have been postponed due to pandemic restrictions, the lights will still be turned on to brighten up the festive season.

“The lights will come on Dec. 2 as they would if we were having our celebration, and they will light the night sky for the entire holiday season. A lot of those lights are in memory of loved ones,” Einarson said.

“We will do the fireworks when public health agrees that it’s acceptable and appropriate. We will come through the other side at some juncture — and hopefully sooner rather than later.”
Einarson also extends gratitude to local businesses and organizations that have boosted staff’s spirits with thoughtful gestures at the Grace Hospital. Last week, the 2019-20 U10 Rockets female hockey team dropped by with signs of support and a delicious treat.

“They had some surplus money because they can’t rent ice for practices, so they wanted to buy a meal for our ICU staff from The Green & Grain,” Einarson said.

“We’ve been getting quite the groundswell of gifts from the community in terms of food and other items. D-Jay’s Restaurant and Little Goat have brought meals a number of times to feed the workers. It’s wonderful.”

These thoughtful acts make a world of difference for folks working at the Grace Hospital during these trying times.

“It really warms our hearts, to say the least, and it’s so appreciated by our staff,” Einarson said.

“When you get that kind of love back from the community, it really feels special.”

For more information or to donate to the Grace Hospital Foundation’s Tree of Life campaign, visit www.gracehospitalfoundation.ca or call 204-837-0375.