November 2005 - Amherst Daily News

Light the Way Campaign officials hope to raise $50,000
By Darrell Cole

UPPER NAPPAN – Two important pieces of equipment for the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre's youngest patients are the focus of the Eighth Annual Light the Way Campaign that is set to be kicked off by the Cumberland Health Care Foundation.

An incubator and wireless fetal monitor for the hospital's maternal child-care department will be purchased with the funds raised by this year's campaign, which has a target of $50,000.

"We're looking forward to another successful Light the way Campaign and we have already started receiving some letters back from donors," foundation managing director Jodi Swan said Tuesday.

The Light the Way Campaign will hold its official Christmas light-up on Sunday, Dec.4, at 6 p.m. by the front entrance of the Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre in Upper Nappan. There will be musical entertainment and an appearance by Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, who will hand out treats to children in attendance.

Last year, for the second consecutive year, the foundation fell just short of its goal of $65,000. Funds raised were used to purchase a portable ultrasound for the hospital's maternal/child department as well as motility study equipment used to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders and two additional syringe drivers that provide pain medication to patients in palliative care and for post-operative patients in the surgical department.

Since only two pieces of equipment are needed this year, the campaign goal has dropped accordingly.

The Christmas lights on the tree and the building will remain lit throughout the holiday season and people can purchase lights in honour of someone or just because. Yellow lights (for the children) cost $1, white lights cost $10, red lights cost $20, green lights cost $50, blue lights cost $100, gleaming wreaths cost $250, wreaths of hope cost $400, radiant angels cost $500 and guardian angels cost $1000.

As in other years, the star at the top of the tree will be named in honour of the person or group who makes the largest donation to the campaign as of Friday, Dec. 2.

Another way donors can give to the campaign this year is through the purchase of pewter ornaments depicting the Light the Way tree. THe ornaments, which are available from the foundation office, cost $10 each.