November 22, 2003

Light the Way campaign hoping to raise $65,000 - Daniel Hodgson - The Citizen
AMHERST - The mood is always a bit more festive this time of year at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre. The Light the Way campaign is now under way for its sixth year. The highly-successful fundraiser for the Cumberland Health Care Foundation has seen a lot of progress since its inception in 1997.

Jodi Swan, managing director of the program, said this year they have set the goal at $65,000. "Every year since this started, the amount of money we make increases," she said. " Last year we made $50,000."

This year, the Light the Way campaign will be using the money to purchase a portable ultrasound sonosite, which can be used throughout the facility, and an infrared spectometre for use in the lab.

This device will allow some individuals to be assessed by providing a breath sample for analysis, instead of gastroscopic procedure having to be performed. New to the campaign this year will be yellow lights, which children can purchase for a dollar each.

Swan feels this aspect of the campaign will teach valuable lessons to children. "It kind of teaches children that hospitals need to be funded," she commented. The campaign itself sees individuals purchasing light, wreath or angel in memory of a loved one, in honour of a friend or as a Christmas present.

The highly-anticipated lighting ceremony will take place this Sunday at 6pm - marketing the second year for the light up at the Cumberland Regional Health Care facility. The lights will remain lit until January.

Swan stressed donations will still be received after the lighting ceremony has occurred. Since arriving in Amherst last fall, Swan said she is impressed with the huge amount of support the campaign always gets.

"Sometimes when we get mail back, there's not just a cheque but a touching story too," she explained. Even the mood of the hospital seems to change when the campaign is happening.

"It's really an easy campaign for everyone to participate in," she said. "Plus, having it during the Christmas season makes it more fun." Swan added one of the main reasons the campaign always gets a wealth of support is because of the cause itself. She said everyone in the county knows someone who has spent time in the hospital. "Everyone is familiar with the facility and the staff," she continued. "Plus, they are familiar with the care that is provided here."

Ginny Dobson, who works in the hospital's business office, said for her, one of the most rewarding aspects of the campaign is seeing the looks on the children's faces when the light-up takes place. "The Light the Way campaign has really become a part of Christmas here in Cumberland County," she said. "It's part of us an part of our community."