Monday, December 2, 2002
Hospital Kicks Off Holiday Season
With The Light The Light The Way Campaign
Amherst Daily News
by Darrell Cole (Managing Editor)

CAMPAIGN KICKED OFF - Three-year-old Spencer St. Peter, a patient at the hospital, is shown above getting a treat from Santa and Mrs. Claus. (Cole)

UPPER NAPPAN - The holiday season was officially kicked off at Cumberland County's new regional hospital last night with the Fifth Annual Light The Way Campaign celebration. More than 150 people braved chilly, windy conditions to mark Light The Way with festivities including the annual Christmas light-up at the hospital as well as musical selections by the Amherst Regional High School senior stage band and an appearance by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

One of the Cumberland Heath Care Foundation's major annual fund-raisers, Light the Way was the latest in a number of celebrations at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre which opened its doors in late October replacing Highland View Regional Hospital.

"While light the way is held annually to raise dollars to purchase much needed equipment, this year's event in a sense is also celebrating the opening of the new health-care facility," foundation chair Phyllis Cameron said. "We hope that the fact that we are standing in front of this new facility makes this a special evening."

Since its inception in 1998, Light the Way has raised more than $100,000 for the foundation and has led to the purchase of numerous pieces of equipment including a VSI interface, videogastroscope and an infant care centre. Last year, the final Light the Way at Highland View, saw the purchase of equipment for the children's ward and OBS. This year, foundation officials hope to raise $50,000 to purchase a ventilator for the intensive care unit.

"We're happy to announce that as of tonight our total has reached over $33,000," said Cameron, adding Light the Way will continue unto January. "If you, or someone you know, would like to make a donation and has not done so, these lights will be lit throughout the holiday season and into the new year. It's never too late to remember or honour a loved one." The campaign receive a major boost with Poly Cello being honoured as the group, individual or organization making the biggest single contribution for its $10,000 donation to the Light the Way.

Cumberland Health Authority CEO Bruce Quigley said events such as Light the Way play an important role in life at Cumberland County's regional hospital. "While we may not have our familiar large evergreen to grace this event, we can look forward to this new tree growing each year just as the role of this new hospital will continue to expand over the upcoming years," Quigley said. "With the opening of this building, we have been given a wonderful opportunity to light the way in the provision of health care to the citizens of this county and with the support of the Cumberland Heath Care Foundation I know we will take full advantage of that bright opportunity."