Officials with the 23rd annual Festival Of Trees are deeming the fundraising event a success.
The Festival Of Trees wrapped up at Westerner Park in Red Deer this past Sunday. It kicked off with a preview dinner on Nov. 23rd.
Each year, proceeds from the Festival are used to purchase medical equipment and/or programs for the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. To date, more than $12.9 million has been raised by the Festival with $1.6 million of that being raised last year.
The total amount raised at this year’s event will be announced on Dec. 13th.
“The event went really well,” said Alaine Martin, events manager with the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation. “Our attendance was very good, it was really robust.
“The sheer volume of people that attended shows they come and do what they can. The support is there for however people can do it and we notice it and we are so thankful for it.”
The 2016 Festival of Trees will be directing funds to enhance client care and services in the Medical Specialty Clinics at the Red Deer Regional Hospital.
Medical Specialty Clinics provide a multi-disciplinary approach to care for clients in Central Alberta living with conditions including multiple sclerosis, Hepatitis C, heart failure anticoagulation therapies, specialized geriatric services, stroke prevention and other complex medical conditions.
More than 2,000 clients per year access ambulatory services in the Medical Specialty Clinics. This number is anticipated to double by 2024.
The renovations will result in an improved physical environment that supports clients with mobility aides, family presence at clinic appointments, and allows for the creation of new and the expansion of existing services. Enhancements to the Medical Specialty Clinics space will support individuals with chronic conditions to maintain maximum independence and avoid hospitalization.
“The hospital affects us all. If it’s not us using it, it’s a family member using it or a friend for whatever reason. I think that is why we get so much support – we have a demographic of about 400,000 people in the Central Zone that the Red Deer Regional Hospital services – overwhelmingly it’s more rural almost at any given time more so than Red Deer residents,” said Martin. “Having that catch basin all around us come in and support and get in the festive season, bring the kids, take in an event – it’s what it is all about – enjoy life and give back to the community.”
efawcett@reddeerexpress.com
