This year marks the 9th year the Angel Tree Campaign has been held at RVH. The Angel Tree provides an opportunity for area residents to pause and think about the loved ones they have lost or who are fighting courageous health battles, as they place a glass angel ornament on the tree.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the launch of the Angel Tree Campaign looked different this year, and was held virtually with a video greeting from Janice Skot, RVH president and CEO. As in past years, Skot had an angel placed on the tree in memory of her mother, Terry O’Brien, along with two more angels this year to honour family members facing serious health battles.
Skot was joined by Valerie Smith, RVH’s chief strategy officer, who had an angel placed in memory of her son Chris, also a member of TEAM RVH, who passed away this summer. His angel on the tree also represents all staff, physicians, volunteers and patients who have passed away this year.
The Angel Tree Campaign, founded by Brenda Stanley, owner of Heart of Business, has previously supported Bell Media’s Radio for Cardiology pledge to the Hearts & Minds campaign, with this year’s proceeds directed to RVH’s Moments Matter campaign.
“The holidays can be a difficult time for people, especially if they have lost someone they love. It is also a special time to be inspired by angels who are still among us,” says Skot. “The Angel Tree is a beautiful way to remember, while at the same time supporting the important work we are doing to bring care closer to home. We are fortunate to live in a community so full of generous and kind-hearted people.”
RVH invites members of the public to honour a friend or loved one this holiday season by making a minimum $10 donation at AngelTree.ca. Angels, available until December 24, will be placed on the tree by a member of the RVH Foundation team to ensure the highest level of infection control and safety.
For more information:
Donna Danyluk
Corporate Communications
DanylukD@rvh.on.ca