Tree of Hope resumes for Christmas

Organizers began the Tree of Hope Christmas fundraiser for the Tofield and Area Health Services Foundation last week at the gazebo next to Guardian Drugs. Volunteer Gayleen Erickson and Tofield Mayor Harold Conquest (left) help trustees Cyndy Heslin and Darren Erickson (vice chairs) enter the first names on the big boards for all to see.

After a year’s absence, Tofield and Area Health Services Foundation reinstated its Christmas fundraiser, the Tree of Hope, last week.

For a donation to the Hospital Foundation, organizers will write the name of a loved one on large tribute boards in the gazebo next to Guardian Drugs on Main Street in Tofield.

Trustees Darren Erickson, Cyndy Heslin, Mayor Harold Conquest, and volunteer Gayleen Erickson were on hand Thursday to write some of the first names on the tribute boards.

The Health Services Foundation has been in existence since 2004. Its
role is to preserve, pro- tect and enhance the role of the Tofield Health Centre, which provides health care for an expanding population of over 7,000 people now in Tofield, Ryley and surrounding areas.

“The Health Foundation purchases furnishings, equipment, whatever they can use,” said Helsin.

“It’s to enhance services provided by AHS.”

Mayor Conquest added that the Tree of Hope fundraiser is a “good way to reach out to citizens while sup- porting a good cause.

“We’re privileged to have a group of dedicated people working for the foundation,” he
added, referring to the many trustees.