LIGHT THE WAY - The Cumberland Health Care Foundation's Light the Way Campaign held its annual Christmas light-up at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre in Upper Nappan last night. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus made an appearance to hand out treats to children. Santa is shown talking with Daphne Fawthrop after arriving at the hospital.

November 29, 2004 - by Darrell Cole - Amherst Daily News

Hospital opens holiday season; Light the Way breaks $36,000

UPPER NAPPAN - The Christmas season was officially kicked off at the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre last night during the Cumberland Health Care Foundation's seventh annual Christmas light-up, held in conjunction with the Light the Way Campaign.

"One of the best things about Christmas is that it is a time when we can get together, not only as a family, but as community members who share a pride in our hospital, concern for health care and a desire to give to support improved services, programs and equipment," foundation chair Phyllis Cameron said.

Two weeks into the annual fundraising campaign, foundation officials have surpassed the $36,000 mark on their way to their goal of $65,000 which will be used to purchase a portable ultrasound unit for the maternal/child department, motility study equipment for the diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders and two syringe drivers for the palliative care and surgical departments.

Since its inception in 1998 at the former Highland View Regional Hospital, Light the Way has raised in excess of $280,000 for the purchase of important medical equipment. It is one of three major fundraisers held annually by the foundation with the Foundation Dinner in April and the Highland Classic Charity Golf Tournament being the other two.

Lights were illuminated on trees, wreaths and angels around the hospital's main entrance and on the building. Each light is lit in honour or memory of someone by a donor who cares about the quality health care. The star at the top of the tree is named in honour of the group or individual making the single largest contribution to the campaign. This year, the honour is shared by the CUmberland Health Care Auxiliary and an anonymous donor, who each contributed $5,000 to the campaign.

While the lights will remain on through the Christmas season, Cameron said it's important for people to realize the campaign continues for the next six weeks.

Cumberland Health Authority CEO Bruce Quigley thanked the foundation for its support of healthcare programs and pointed out the money being raised for medical equipment has helped attract specialists to the hospital so people can be served in their own community without having to go to health-care centres in Moncton or Halifax for care.