By Stu Salkeld The Stettler Independent
Stettler town council read an encouraging letter from the Festival of Lights committee during the regular meeting of council Oct. 3. All councilors were present for the meeting.
The letter, from Susan Peterson, festival chair, noted a major milestone is coming up for the event, and that, over 19 years, the event has raised over $900,000 for local healthcare.
“You did it! With your support the 2016 Festival of Lights was a huge success,” stated Peterson in her letter.
“Together we raised $83,132 which purchased two pans of surgical instruments for the operating room suites; two baby bassinettes, an epidural positioning device for the labour and delivery suites and multiple operating room tools. Thank you!
“2017 is a very special year for Festival of Lights as it is our 20th year of fundraising for Stettler’s Hospital and Care Centre. Over the past 19 years we have raised $949,856.00 and feel that $1 million total is very achievable in our 20th year.
“This year’s campaign is already underway and we hope to raise funds to purchase a hydraulic cot and a chest compression system for the ambulance; a ventilator and Lifepack defibrillator and crash cart for the hospital. As one of our most valued sponsors we hope that you will join us once again to make this a reality. An extra special thanks to the Byemoor Colony for spearheading a pony auction to raise funds to purchase 19 new mattresses for the hospital this summer.
“Enclosed please find a list of last year’s donors. We sincerely appreciate everyone’s support in making our hospital the outstanding example for health care in rural Alberta that it has become. If you would like to sponsor an individual event such as Christmas Spirits, Kids Day, paint night, gala band, gala appetizers, gala desserts or gala supper please contact any committee member listed below.
“We have a variety of exciting events happening this year to help us celebrate our 20th anniversary.
“We look forward to seeing you throughout the week participating in the events or shopping in the artisan market. We will have the 2016 ACAM Group of the Year band Domino helping to entertain us at our Dine, Dance and Auction Gala on Saturday, December 2. Tickets go on sale for all events on Oct. 10 at Wish Kitchen & Gift, Main Street, Stettler.
“Please fill out the enclosed sponsor/donor form and return it to any one of the committee members listed below or mail to Postal Bag 500, Stettler, Alberta TOC 2LO. Thanks again for your support.”
Council accepted the letter for information.