The fundraising totals are in for the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance (CKHA) Foundation's 29th annual Christmas Wish Tree appeal, which started in December 2018.
Mary Lou Crowley, president and chief executive officer with the Foundation of CKHA, said they raised just over $87,000. The theme for the 2018 campaign focused on cardiac health, so money raised is going towards a transport defibrillator and Holter monitors.
The foundation made some changes during the 2018 campaign, specifically, with its lighting ceremonies. The events were held at the Chatham and Wallaceburg sites on different days so that more people could attend.
"We had families, children, patients, and staff of the hospital come out and join us, along with the senior leadership team from the hospital," said Crowley. "It was a really wonderful opportunity for the community to come together [during] that time of year."
In terms of how the 2018 campaign compared to 2017, Crowley said "it was very close" to the previous year's totals. The 2017 Christmas Wish Tree appeal focused on raising money for diagnostic imaging equipment.
Moving forward, Crowley said they haven't quite settled on what the theme will be for the 2019 Christmas Wish Tree appeal yet.
"We have not yet determined what that is but I can guarantee you that it will be something that is very much needed," she said.
However, Crowley said ideas have come forward in regards to how to make their annual campaign a little different.
"We really want to get more of that community spirit around us. I won't share too many of the details but we are planning on changing it up a little bit for 2019," she said. "We look forward to once again changing and making it that much more special and getting more people involved."
In the meantime, the foundation is getting ready for other annual fundraising events in the spring and fall.
"Our golf tournament will be on June 14 this year so we're really excited about that," she said. "And our Parade of Chefs, which is our signature event that has a little bit of a twist and change to it this year has moved to October."
The 14th annual Pro/Am Golf Tournament in June will be held at Maple City Country Club in Chatham.
-With files from Matt Weverink