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For Immediate Release
December 18, 2007
Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation inspires community giving through launch of first annual Stars for Care campaign
Marie Parenteau, Royal Columbian Hospital volunteer, hangs a star in celebration of a donor’s support of the first annual Stars for Care campaign.
New Westminster, B.C. – This holiday season kicks off the Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH) Foundation’s first annual Stars for Care campaign to help raise $3 million to fund the hospital’s priority projects and most urgent equipment needs.
Community members are invited to personalize a Star for Care ornament with their name, the name of a loved one or a special message. The ornaments are then used to decorate more than 20 holiday trees displayed throughout the hospital.
“There are so many personal stories on each tree,” says Marie Parenteau, who has been a volunteer at RCH for 23 years. “Memorials to loved ones; thanks to staff for their excellent care, messages of hope….it all helps, especially for those who need a little bit of uplifting at this time of year.”
Stars for Care will help raise $2 million to fund vital cardiac equipment for the new Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit and Cardiology, as well as a further $1 million for urgently needed equipment throughout the hospital. RCH is the only hospital to provide open heart surgery and less invasive procedures such as cardiac catheterization, in the Fraser Health region. It is also the major trauma centre and referral hospital for orthopaedic and neurosurgery, renal care, high risk maternity and newborn intensive care for 1.5 million people from Burnaby to Boston Bar; the largest and fastest growing region in the province.
“It’s an opportunity for people to honour and show their support for loved ones, patients and staff,” says Adrienne Bakker, President and CEO of RCH Foundation.
“Each Star for Care ornament is a symbol of hope and represents a significant contribution to saving lives and supporting health care in our communities. When all of the trees are decorated, it really serves to brighten the spirits of everyone at the hospital during the holidays.”
About Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation
Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation is an independent charitable organization that raises millions of dollars every year to fund priority projects and equipment needs at Royal Columbian Hospital (RCH). Approximately 1.5 million people from Burnaby to Boston Bar depend on Royal Columbian to provide highly specialized care for major trauma emergencies, cardiac and neurosurgery, renal treatment, high risk maternity and newborn intensive care. For more information about Royal Columbian Hospital Foundation, please visit rchfoundation.com
For more information, please contact:
Shannon Henderson
Communications Specialist
(604) 520-4438
shannon.henderson@fraserhealth.ca
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