25 Years of Giving Through the Judy Lannin Christmas Wish Tree

Provided by the WDMH Foundation
25 Years of Giving Through the Judy Lannin Christmas Wish Tree
WDMH CEO Cholly Boland provided the entertainment.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the virtual lighting of the Judy Lannin Christmas Wish Tree on December 13th. We were honoured to welcome the O’Connor and Lannin families to the program this year. And WDMH CEO Cholly Boland provided the entertainment.

WDMH Foundation Managing Director Kristen Casselman opened the program by thanking our local communities for everyone’s ongoing support: “It is only because of you that we are able to provide the WDMH team with the right tools needed to care for patients and families – so close to home. The beautiful tree beside me is one that our community has helped to decorate with Christmas ornaments that represent your donations in honour of, and in memory of, people that are dear to you.”

As part of the program, Marlyn and Joey O’Connor shared their personal connection with Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH). They moved to the community 44 years ago and have been cared for at WDMH many times. Most recently, Marlyn had a heart attack and Joey says the team at WDMH saved his life. “We were so grateful for the fast action of all the doctors and nurses that day. As he recovered, everyone we met was kind and caring – checking his comfort levels, giving him the medications he needed, serving nutritious meals, and more. Marlyn was even able to take cardiac rehab classes right at WDMH, close to home. WDMH was there for us, and we know this team is here for our whole community. From the bottom of our hearts, we want to say thank you and we want to thank everyone who has donated to the Christmas Wish Tree Program. Merry Christmas, everyone!”

Five years ago, the Wish Tree program was renamed to the Judy Lannin Christmas Wish Tree in honour and memory of a special lady. Judy Lannin was a kind-hearted and determined WDMH team member who started the Wish Tree program. She always instilled the gift of giving. On behalf of the entire Lannin family, Judy’s daughter Andrea spoke at the tree lighting, sharing memories of working with her Mom on the event each year. “Mom would be humbled to know that after 25 years, her vision of helping families has continued, even though she was only here to spearhead the first 3 years of the project. The continued success of this program is due to the wonderful support from generous donors and the Winchester District Memorial Hospital. The Lannin Family is very grateful that our Mom’s legacy has continued to thrive, despite her absence.”

Enjoy the short program by watching this video: https://youtu.be/fdfn4kTarnQ

The Wish Tree provides a special way to honour or remember family and friends with a gift to the WDMH Foundation. Proceeds go to the Family Care Fund ‘to support families just like yours’ and to help ensure that Winchester District Memorial Hospital (WDMH) can continue to provide compassionate, excellent health care. In the past 25 years, our generous donors have donated more than $1.15 million dollars through the Wish Tree program – thank you!  Thank you as well to our sponsors who help to make the event possible.

You can donate online at https://www.wdmhfoundation.ca/onlinegiving/donation/campaign or call the Foundation office at 613-774-2422 ext. 6162. Names submitted with donations will be placed on ornaments and displayed on the giant tree in the hospital lobby.

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