Lights for Health decorations in place for annual celebration
Christmas celebration to take place over two nights in December
NORTH SYDNEY — Angels, bells and other Christmas ornaments now decorate the lawn of the Northside General Hospital, as the annual Lights for Health celebration draws closer.
This year, as in past years, volunteers took on the task of decorating the lawn at the hospital and the Harbourview facility to ensure the lights are ready for the annual celebration.
“This is the 14th year for the celebration and the Northside Kiwanis Golden K have been with us since the beginning,” said Daniel McKeough, chair of the hospital foundation’s board of directors.
“Members from the club set up the sculptures on the front lawn and ensure the lights work in each and every one.”
He said Joe Marsh with Nova Scotia Power and retired employee Mel Bonnell decorated the two large trees now on the lawn and attached a tree-top star.
The gardens at Harbourview hospital are decorated every year by Russell MacLean, who has been supporting the hospital foundation for many years.
The Northside Harbourview Hospital is dedicating the star this year to longtime community supporter and owner of the Purple Mango, Kimberly Kilback, who recently lost her battle with cancer.
Kilback had assisted the foundation in purchasing a new patient bus by hosting several fundraising activities.
This year’s event will again feature fireworks at the Northside General Hospital, Dec. 6, beginning at 7 p.m., and at Harbourview hospital on Dec. 8 at 6 p.m. with entertainment by the Cape Breton Chordsmen.
This year’s Lights for Health Celebration honours the family of Northside resident Joey Bonar who have been described as close friends and supporters of the foundation.
Members of the family will throw the switch to light up trees decked with Christmas lights and sculptures on the front lawn of the Northside General Hospital (Friday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m. ). Following the illumination ceremony, there will be what the foundation calls a dazzling display of fireworks as well as refreshments and an appearance by Santa.
There will also be a special garden-lighting ceremony at the Harbourview facility on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 6 p.m.
The Cape Breton Chordsmen will perform at the Harbourview facility.
The fundraising campaign associated with the celebration is now underway. It encourages people to make a donation and dedicate a light or sculpture to honour a loved one by contacting the foundation.
Donors can call 794-8870 or write to the Northside/Harbourview Hospital Foundation at P.O. Box 399, North Sydney, N.S., B2A 3M4.
Donations can also be made at Scotiabank in North Sydney starting on Tuesday.
All donations are recorded in a “book of lights” which is handed out at the celebration.
Money raised helps buy equipment on a list of priorities for the facilities that this year will include equipment and chairs and televisions for a renal dialysis unit, and equipment for the operating room.
Last year, the events raised more than $56,000, which helped buy a new patient bus.