This year the festival was again online due to the pandemic, but the community came together to raise over $94,000 during Saturday’s auction.
Moose Jaw Health Foundation Executive Director Kelly McElree said this year’s Festival of Trees was another success thanks to the generosity of the local community. He also profusely thanked the volunteers who made the festival happen.
“Festival of trees went extremely well! We’re very, very thankful for all the businesses and individuals who contributed auction items this year, and for the outstanding work by Festival of Trees chair Holly Jorstad and for her team of volunteers who created a wonderful online event.”
McElree reported that the event raised over $94,000 for Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital. The funds will contribute to three projects:
- Medical training simulation mannequins – these mannequins are extremely lifelike and designed for a variety of training purposes. Staff at the hospital will be able to maintain and upgrade their emergency training using these simulators.
- Home care equipment for home care staff at the hospital. This will enable these staff to provide a higher quality of community care.
- Some of the money will help fund mental health initiatives for healthcare staff who are mentally and emotionally drained by the added stress of the pandemic.
Every dollar raised by Festival of Trees stays in the Moose Jaw community, McElree said, to enhance the capability of the hospital and to save lives.
This was the Festival’s 30-year anniversary. To date, over $4.8 million has been raised.
Murray GM once again won the naming rights for the 18-foot Rockefeller tree which will be in the F.H. Wigmore Hospital lobby for the rest of the holiday season. Murray GM bids $15,000 for the tree every year as a Christmas tradition.
The tree will be raised this week. It is a three-day process that takes three workers, a special maintenance lift, and a lot of decorating. McElree said that last year, the tree could not be visited because of COVID restrictions. This year, staff at the hospital are looking forward to visitors who come to take family photos with the tree.
“We’re so grateful for every dollar raised,” McElree said.
