Dec 14, 2023 | Community and Partnerships, Faces of HDGH
When I reflect on 2023, so many memories rush to mind. A return to normalcy saw us hosting the postponed Big Night Gala in late March, the presentation of not one, but two, golf tournaments, and so many heartwarming stories of donors wishing to support HDGH with generosity that is, at all times, humbling. We could not have foreseen what was to come with a cyber-attack and the need to once again push back our gala by one year.
Despite the challenges, the spirit of giving and support prevails and once again we witnessed the unwavering generosity of the community of Windsor-Essex. With the Gala postponed, the majority of guests decided to hold on to their tickets for a 2024 Gala or convert their ticket price to a direct donation to HDGH’s Mental Health and Addictions programs as they were to receive all the funds raised from the 2023 event.
In the spirit of doing good, we launched a new fundraising initiative this year, The Giving Era Campaign which coincided with Giving Tuesday. This campaign enjoyed a fun play on the extremely popular Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour by gifting every donor of $30 or more a friendship bracelet. To learn more about this campaign visit www.hdgh.org/givingera.
Proving once again that our employees and supporters will not be deterred regardless of the challenges we face, we launched our 37th annual Tree of Lights Campaign on November 14. On this day the spirit of the holidays was very much present as our dedicated employees placed ornaments on the tree in memory of loved ones. As an organization, the tree lighting ceremony is our way of kicking off the giving season by remembering what is most important – the family and friends that we surround ourselves with. The heartwarming ceremony also provides us an opportunity to pause and, at times, share a glimpse into each other’s hearts.
The Tree of Lights campaign continues to run through to the end of the calendar year with donations supporting HDGH employees by providing specialized education and training. As a specialty hospital focusing on Mental Health and Addictions, Rehabilitative Care, Complex Medical and Palliative Care and Children and Youth Mental Health, your donation to the Tree of Lights allows our employees to expand their knowledge and skills in these specific areas. If you wish to support the campaign and honour someone you love, donations can be made at www.hdgh.org/treeoflights
As we look back at the past year, we are fortunate to see all the countless acts of goodness that has been achieved. For us in the HDGH Foundation team, what we see with clarity is the good in our community, the compassion and care we have for our neighbours and colleagues, and the generosity of spirit that is present all year long. This message shines through as bright as the Christmas lights we see throughout Windsor-Essex.
We want to express our deepest thanks to our incredible colleagues and employees who so often inspire our patients and families to give. With the expression of a kind word when delivering a meal tray, to a gentle touch when helping a patient into bed, to a calm visit from a member of our Spiritual Health team, each of you inspire our leadership and our supporters. I wish to extend my heartfelt expression of gratitude for our donors help, kindness and support. We wish you all the best this holiday season and a happy and healthy 2024.
Barb Sebben is the Executive Director of the HDGH Foundation and Academic and Volunteer Placements. She has been an HDGH employee for over 20 years, starting out as a coordinator in the Public Affairs department. Prior to joining HDGH, she helped fundraise for the Children’s Safety Village and worked at Centres for Seniors Windsor (now Life After 50).