A few lucky seniors opened their doors this week to discover an unexpected surprise; and they’re not talking about the snow.
Volunteers and staff from the Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation were out spreading some Christmas cheer this week to many of the foundation’s elderly donors.
After kicking off the giving season with GivingTuesday on Nov. 29, the foundation engaged in several different activities to celebrate philanthropy in the community.
“One of those activities has been delivering poinsettias to our elderly donors (one of whom is 102!) and many of whom have been donating to the hospital for years,” said Kate Ludlam, donor relations coordinator for the foundation. She explained that more than 100 poinsettias were distributed between Tuesday and Friday, to donors who they knew to be 70 years or older.
‘We all know that Langley is such a generous community, and we are so grateful to those who give to the hospital,’ she said.
“Many of our donors are elderly and have been giving to the hospital for years and in some instances, decades. We wanted to let them know how much we appreciate their support and, with the terrible weather last week, it was an opportunity for us to deliver some Christmas cheer and to say thank you for supporting patient care at our hospital,” Ludlam explained.
The poinsettias were donated by Fred de Boer, of Premier Truck Body and Mainland Floral, “and everyone who received them has been thrilled!” Ludlam said.
The staff and volunteer board members who were out personally delivering the flowers also enjoyed the opportunity to thank donors in person.
In addition this donor recognition effort, the foundation is also running its giving tree in the hospital lobby this holiday season.
For every donation that is made in person, by mail, or via online, the donors name is added to an ornament on the tree – unless they wish to remain anonymous, Ludlam said.
“The tree is really starting to fill up, as the Langley community is very supportive of health care in our community,” she added.
Langley Memorial is a full-service hospital, providing a wide range of services. Most of our community’s acute care needs are served at Langley Memorial. Investing in better equipment and health care space is good for everyone. It supports earlier diagnosis, better surgeries, shorter hospital stays and healthier long-term outcomes.
Langley Memorial Hospital Foundation was established in 1985 as a partner in the care of patients at the local hospital, and to serve as a bridge between donors, the community, and the hospital.