More than 100 patients at the North Bay Regional Health Centre (NBRHC) will receive a gift on Christmas morning this year, thanks to the Gifts for Patients program.
The gifts are presented to patients recovering from mental illness without family involvement, at the North Bay and Sudbury NBRHC campuses.
In November two Christmas trees decorated with tags requesting specific items were set up in the cafeteria and in the main lobby at the hospital. The tags list wishes from long-term patients at the hospital, who would otherwise not receive a gift on Christmas.
Staff and visitors select tags and purchase gifts for these patients.
“Christmas can be a very lonely time. Having a gift to open on Christmas morning means so much to patients whose families are not able to visit during the holidays,” said Laurie Wardell, Director, Addictions & MentalHealth. “This annual tradition allows our staff and Health Centre visitors to express genuine kindness through gift giving.”
The Gifts for Patients program has really caught on, with more than 100 patients providing a wish list for the tags this year compared to 66 patients last year.
“We sincerely thank those who take time to pick up a tag and drop off the corresponding gift. We are grateful to all the employees and visitors who have helped us to ensure that everyone is included in the spirit of the holidays,” said Tammy Morison, President and CEO, NBRHC Foundation.
Visitors to NBRHC have until December 17 to select a gift tag, and newly purchased, unwrapped gift items can be dropped off at the Foundation office at the Health Centre.
