BARRY’S BAY – Thousands of lights will twinkle at the railway station after the annual Tree of Lights ceremony took place on December 5.
Before the official event, many gathered inside the railway station to enjoy hot chocolate and snacks. Others enjoyed sleigh rides outside or music from carollers Jeanette tubby, Jason Deroche and Paige Mask.
St. Francis Valley Healthcare Foundation Executive Director Toni Lavigne-Conway began the ceremony by welcoming everyone to the 13th annual event.
The Tree of Lights ceremonies started out at the hospital, but soon switched to the downtown location.
“Honestly, there is something special about being able to celebrate our love of our hospital and the gratitude we all feel for having access to local healthcare close to home at a site that represents so much of the history and stories of this town,” Lavigne-Conway explained.
Proceeds of the Tree of Lights Campaign go towards purchasing equipment for St. Francis Memorial Hospital.
“There is probably no one here tonight that has not been touched in some way by the hospital we all love and cherish,” Lavigne-Conway added.
Chief of Staff Jason Malinowski spoke on behalf of the hospital, and thanked the community for its generosity over the years.
Get your December 10, 2014 edition of The Valley Gazette to read the full story.