The inaugural Starry Nights campaign by the South Cariboo Health Foundation (SCHF) will light up the 100 Mile District General Hospital with bright and decorative stars in a celestial celebration on Nov. 29.
The community is invited to witness the light up and enjoy the Eclectica Choir singing carols at 7 p.m., following the Santa Claus parade.
SCHF co-ordinator M-J Cousins encourages caring community members to Be a Health Star by sponsoring the lighting of a star for with a minimum $50 donation from now through January.
Health Stars will help support the foundation for its ongoing purchases of much-needed health equipment for the hospital. Every Health Star will take home a star tree ornament decorated by children at Our Place Child Care Centre.
Cousins says 17 health stars had signed up as of Nov. 18.
“It is going very well, the response has been greater than we had anticipated at these early days.”
Sponsorship of the star construction by local organizations has been “really good,” she adds, and installation is expected to begin this week.
SCHF vice-chair Chris Nickless says seven local businesses have also jumped on board as Founding Sponsors so far, which recognizes individual contributions of $500 or more.
All Founding Sponsors organizations or individuals and Health Stars will be listed in the 100 Mile Free Press until the end of November, he explains, as well as recognized at the Nov. 29 light-up celebration.
“We want the public, after the parade is done, to come to the hospital and see the light-up. And the important thing is to Be a Health Star, and help light a star for the health foundation.”
However, the campaign won’t end there, as the star-studded hospital will remain lit up throughout the holiday season with more fundraising support opportunities available until early January.
Cousins adds all donations are fully tax-receipted.
To sponsor one or more stars before the Nov. 29 light up, mail a cheque ahead for $50 or more to South Cariboo Health Foundation-Starry Nights, Bag 399, 100 Mile House, B.C. V0K 2E0; drop it off at the South Cariboo Community Health desk (use rear entrance at hospital); or call M-J at 250-706-2926 to arrange for payment.
