This year marks the 10th Angel Tree campaign at Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH). Annually, members of the community are invited to make a donation and have a glass angel placed on a tree, located inside the health centre, in honour or memory of a loved one.
“This campaign is a beautiful way to remember those we have lost or those who may be courageously fighting a health battle. This year, as part of RVH’s commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, participants will also be given an opportunity to purchase an Every Child Matters ornament for the tree,” says Janice Skot, RVH president and CEO. “The bright orange ornaments will serve as a way to honour the First Nation, Inuit and Métis children who were forced to leave their families and home communities to attend government-sponsored schools.”
The Angel Tree campaign, founded by Brenda Stanley, owner of Heart of Business, supports patient care through RVH’s Moments Matter campaign.
“Having an Every Child Matters ornament placed on the tree this year is a special way for us to honour all Indigenous People who lost their lives in residential schools,” says Roberta Manitowabi, Indigenous Patient Navigator with RVH’s Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre. “It is one of the many ways for us to journey on our personal path of reconciliation.”
Donations received for the Every Child Matters ornaments will be directed to an Indigenous organization supporting residential school survivors and/or raising awareness about the impacts of residential schools. The recipient will be determined through consultation with RVH’s Indigenous partners.
Members of the public are invited to participate by making a minimum donation of $20 online at RVHAngelTree.ca or by calling (705) 739-5600.Ornaments, available until December 23, will be placed on the tree by a member of the RVH Foundation team to ensure the highest level of infection control and safety.
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