Tree of Hope            Supplied by Sault Area Hospital Foundation…
SAULT STE. MARIE – The Tree of Hope is now lighting up the main lobby at Sault Area Hospital (SAH). This tree represents more than just the holiday season; it shows our community’s support for local healthcare. The SAH Volunteer Association (SAHVA) has started the season off by announcing a pledge of $200,000 to help with the purchase of a new CT (Computerized Tomography) Scanner for SAH.
This holiday season, the Tree of Hope campaign is geared towards raising funds to replace this essential Diagnostic Imaging equipment. Our community currently utilizes CT scans 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s a vital diagnostic tool. One of the two CT Scanners at SAH is nearing the end of its lifespan. To ensure that patients have access to the diagnostic tests they need, the Sault Area Hospital Foundation (SAHF) is committed to raising the funds needed to replace this crucial equipment. The reality is, if a replacement isn’t purchased, wait times will double and if extended downtimes ever occur, patients could require transport elsewhere to receive the test.
“At some point in our lives, most of us will require a CT scan.  Due to advancing technology, it is necessary to replace the current CT scanner.  We are being proactive in preventing delays in the performance of tests and maintaining the highest standard of care.” Joe D’Angelo, Manager Diagnostic Imaging.
Now more than ever, it is important that our community continues to support our Hospital. With needs continuing to grow, the Foundation is preparing a plan to increase financial support to $5 million annually by 2020. The cost to operate SAH is covered by the government; however the capital equipment required in delivering care to local patients and performing procedures at our Hospital, like this new CT Scanner, is funded by this community’s generous support to the Sault Area Hospital Foundation.
The SAHVA is assisting in fundraising for this new CT Scanner. Amongst the many services the volunteers already provide for SAH, like wayfinding, operating the information desk and providing other patient services, the SAHVA is a major fundraising entity for the equipment at our Hospital. With the Gift Shop, Nevada Ticket sales and key signature events, the SAHVA are fundraising alongside the Foundation to ensure our Hospital has the equipment needed to provide quality healthcare. The volunteers have been asked to place the star on the Tree of Hope to lead our community into the season of giving and show their commitment to local healthcare.
“Healthcare is so very important in our community. We (the Volunteer Association) want the local healthcare professionals to be able to provide excellent care. If funds are needed for medical equipment, we’re going to help raise it”, Jim Aquino, Co-Chair of the Volunteer Association’s Fundraising Committee.
Gifts to the Foundation this holiday season can be made in honour of a family member, client, customer, friend, teacher, neighbour, hospital staff member, physician or volunteer.  Gifts can also be made in memory of the person you miss the most. A card will be sent to notify a friend or family member of the thoughtful gesture and indicate your choice to support local healthcare.
Donors are encouraged to leave a message for the Tree of Hope. The Foundation will write it on an ornament to hang and help inspire the patients of this community and their families throughout the holidays.
To make a donation, please call (705) 759-3848, visit the Foundation office, which is located at our Hospital behind the information desk in the main lobby of SAH, or visit their website www.sahfoundation.com/treeofhope
The Sault Area Hospital Foundation thanks the community, in advance, for their consideration. Please consider our Foundation as one of your top 3 charities of choice. Quality local healthcare is a priority in all our lives; let us think of our loved ones this holiday season and ‘Light up the Tree of Hope’.