Quebecers invited to light up the Tree until December 31
Thanks to the generosity of donors from across Quebec, the Sainte-Justine Tree of Lights saw a record-breaking number of bulbs shining on the tree this evening at the final lighting-up ceremony for the 17th edition of the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation’s signature fundraising campaign. Announced live on Rythme by the hosts of drive-time radio show Y’est 4 h quelque part, these 624,683 lights will bring hope and comfort to the families who will be spending the holidays at Sainte-Justine this year, amounting to $3.1 million.
The new milestone could not have been reached without the support of long-time campaign partners Rythme and METRO, not to mention the dedication of students and schools belonging to the Fédération des établissements d’enseignement privés (FEEP), who lit up the first 166,599 lights as part of the fifth annual Sainte-Justine Youth Tree of Lights campaign, which ran from November 1 to 30.
“Every light glowing on the Tree is a symbol of love and support for the children and families of Sainte-Justine,” said Delphine Brodeur, President and Chief Executive Officer of the CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation. “Once again this year, the community stepped up and showed how much they care, and this unprecedented number of lights is the result. Thanks to our donors and our wonderful partners, a new record of over $3 million will be remitted to Sainte-Justine to drive new medical discoveries and help develop innovative, life-changing solutions.”
“Everyone here at Rythme has been proudly spreading the word about Sainte-Justine’s Tree of Lights since 2008. It’s a campaign that touches the hearts of people everywhere the province,” said Jean-Sébastien Lemire, Vice-President, Music Station Strategy, Cogeco Media. “Watching as the public and our listeners have risen to the occasion so brilliantly is a source of inspiration for us all. It’s an honour to be part of such an extraordinary act of generosity.”
“This marks the 11th year that employees and customers of Metro grocery stores in Quebec have lent their support to Sainte-Justine’s mission of excellence and contributed to the hospital’s Social Services Department through the METRO Sainte-Justine Family Assistance Fund,” said Marie-Claude Bacon, Vice President, Public Affairs and Communications, METRO. “Together, they’ve lit up more than 42,000 lights on the Tree, which translated to a donation of over $210.000.”
The Foundation is very grateful for the involvement of this year’s ambassador families. The story shared by Mia’s mother, Édith, who opened up about what it’s like to have a child with a serious health condition, resonated with people throughout the province.
The families of Marie-Fée, Liam, Adam, Gabrielle and Malycia agreed to relate their experiences to the Sainte-Justine community as well. The heartwarming contributions of numerous staff members, including Dr. Caroline Lemoine, Dr. Anne Lortie, Dr. Patrick Hamel, Dr. Rosanne Superstein, Dr. Caroline Laverdière and oncology nurse Bénédicte Koukoui, also went a long way in making this 17th edition a truly memorable one.
A dazzling group of partners
The CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to Rythme, the official broadcaster of the Tree of Lights campaign since its inception, and METRO, the main campaign partner for the past 11 years. The Foundation is also deeply appreciative for the contributions of its valued partners at CN, Cogeco Media, Québec Blue Cross, the Famille du lait, MEGA BLOKS — a member of the Mattel® family, Sushi Shop and Videotron, which will go a long way in creating a healthier world for our children.
Spark even more hope until December 31
The Tree of Lights will continue to illuminate the night sky for the children and families of Sainte-Justine throughout the holiday season. There’s still time to show them they’re not alone by adding your lights to the Tree: treeoflights.org.
Source: CHU Sainte-Justine Foundation
Contact:
Julie Veilleux, Director of Communications
514 345-4931, ext. 7958
jveilleux@fondationstejustine.org
