Lourdes celebrates 10th annual Tree of Love

For the past ten years, people in the Lourdes area have paid special tribute to loved ones who have passed on by participating in the Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital Foundation's Tree of Love campaign.

"Almost everybody has somebody they want to remember," says John Smith, event co-organizer.

The tree itself is located at the Lourdes Co-op, where Mr. Smith is manager, and the accompanying carol service is held at a nearby auditorium.

Mr. Smith says people purchase tags and write the names of deceased loves ones on them, and then hang the tags with ribbon on the tree.

He credits the Co-op staff for the tree's early success; Father Terry for helping to organize the services; and local residents for their continued support.

"People can get together to remember their loved ones and then have a tea, coffee or treats afterwards," says Mr. Smith. "It keeps improving every year. And it's for a good cause - the hospital [foundation] can purchase new medical equipment with the money raised."

Anna Burt, the foundation's development director, says eight sites throughout the Bay St. George area participate annually in the Tree of Love campaign, and that funds raised will go towards several pieces of equipment.

"All proceeds received this year from the Tree of Love campaign will aid with the purchase of an anaesthetic machine at a cost of $72,000 and colonoscopes and gastroscopes at a cost of $60,000 for a total of $132,000 in medical equipment for the Sir Thomas Roddick Hospital," says Ms. Burt.

At other sites in Bay St. George, says Ms. Burt, people purchase lights in memory of their loved ones - and these lights are used to trim the tree. "Names of those remembered in this way are displayed on a sign adjacent to the tree; and a special carol and memorial service is held at the specific location to further highlight the Tree of Love Campaign," she adds.

Here are the dates of the Tree of Love carol services: Cape St. George - Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.;

St. George's - Dec. 10 at 7 p.m.;

Kippens - Dec. 13 at 2 p.m.;

Lourdes - Dec. 13 at 7 p.m.;

Port au Port East - Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m.;

Three Rivers - Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.;

Stephenville Crossing - Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m.;

Stephenville - Dec. 15 at 7 p.m.

For more information, call the foundation office at 643-7478.