Lights of Hope brightens up the Edmonton General

The switch has been flipped on 400 Christmas light displays at the Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre.

“There is something practical, magical and symbolic about lights in the middle of winter into the Christmas season,” said Al Pierog, Covenant Health, Vice President, Seniors Health. “The Edmonton General is home for 500 residents, and, of course, it is a place of work for caring and compassionate staff. These lights of hope will brighten the outlook, will light up the building, and boost morale.”

“It’s going to capture the imaginations and hearts of the community,” said John Boucher, president and CEO of the Caritas Foundation. “As a new major fundraiser in health care, the “Lights of Hope” campaign will reach out to Edmontonians and Albertans who will call upon us for the highest quality patient care and to draw attention to our frail and aging senior population."

The Caritas Foundation hopes to raise $400,000 as part of the Lights of Hope campaign. The money will go to services such as palliative care and continuing care.

The displays for Lights of Hope were those previously on display in Edmonton Bright Nights at Hawrelak Park. The Lights of Hope project in Edmonton is modeled after a similar, very successful program at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver. The displays will be up until January 9.

Donations are available for corporations to sponsor light displays and for people to purchase single lights. Everyone $5 donated will purchase a light bulb that will be added to the trees and displays.

View the following links for more information:

Caritas Foundation - to make a donation or for more information about the Lights of Hope campaign
Edmonton Journal’s Lights of Hope photo gallery
Edmonton Journal's Lights of Hope video, which kicked off the campaign on November 24, 2011
Edmonton Journal's Time Lapse video of Lights of Hope