Dear Fred, - Festival of Trees

MEDIA RELEASE:
2015 Festival of Trees
RED DEER (May 15, 2015) Spring is in the air here in Central Alberta, but in the Festival of Trees world,
it is Christmas all year long!! Our organizers are working hard to put together the 22 nd annual Festival
and make it better than ever!
For 21 years the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre has received more than $11.8 million dollars from the
Festival of Trees, and our mission is to continue this great event through the ever changing economy.
The business of fundraising is no different than for profit businesses, which are part of our cherished
supporters.
Extremely tough decisions were made to reduce our events by 3 by discontinuing Festival Lights the
Night, Festival’s Winter Solstice, and combining Senior Appreciation and Volunteer Sneak a Peek.
Further reductions will be to take the Festival back to 2 pavilions at Westerner Park by returning our
children’s activity area, Candy Cane Lane, back to Stockmen’s Pavilion. However, in regards to the
Festival Lights the Night, we are excited to announce that The City of Red Deer, in partnership with the
Downtown Business Association, will host a similar event “Red Deer Lights the Night”. This event will
be a community celebration that will kick off the winter holiday season.
The choice to support local a charity is a big decision for our supporters, and we do not take this for
granted. Respecting our donor dollars, while still providing a great, community event for all Central
Albertans to enjoy is a privilege!
We are thrilled to announce that the 2015 Festival of Trees will be directing our fundraising efforts to
enhance client care and services in the Medical Specialty Clinics at the Red Deer Regional Hospital.
Medical Specialty Clinics provides a multidisciplinary approach to care for clients in Central Alberta
living with the following conditions:
Multiple Sclerosis
Specialized Geriatric Services
Hepatitis C
Stroke Prevention
Heart Failure
Complex medical conditions
Anticoagulation therapies
Over 2000 clients per year access ambulatory services in the Medical Specialty Clinics. This number is
anticipated to double by 2024.
All Central Alberta residents will benefit from the renovation and expansion of services by improving
access to a specialized team and thereby decreasing wait times. The renovations will result in an
improved physical environment that supports clients with mobility aides, family presence at clinic
appointments, and allowing for the creation of new and the expansion of existing services.
Enhancements to the Medical Specialty Clinics space will support individuals with chronic conditions to
maintain maximum independence and avoid hospitalization.
For more information on this years events and being involved with the Festival of Trees, check out our
website, www.reddeerfestivaloftrees.ca, email us at: foundation@albertahealthservices.ca or contact
Alaine Martin at 403-406-5517/403-343-4773.