Strathmore’s Tree of Hope Renamed as Memory Tree to Continue Legacy

The Tree of Hope program, a community initiative supporting palliative care at Strathmore Hospital for nearly three decades, has been renamed the Memory Tree. This change comes as the program transitions operations under the Strathmore District Health Foundation, ensuring its continuation in a new form.

Established on December 1, 1996, the Tree of Hope has raised funds for essential items such as furniture, bedding, and entertainment to improve the quality of life for patients in palliative care. With the hospital no longer needing palliative care rooms, the program faced discontinuation. However, community leaders recognized its value and sought to preserve its legacy.

Florence Vander Velde, vice president of the Strathmore District Health Foundation and Auxiliary, explained, “Just because there are no palliative care rooms to furnish anymore, they were going to discontinue the program, and we thought it was too valuable of a program to discontinue.” The Memory Tree will maintain the same objectives, allowing individuals to donate in memory of loved ones to support hospital equipment purchases.

As the foundation takes over operations this year, it aims to raise awareness about the Memory Tree as a continuation of the previous initiative. Vander Velde expressed some concerns regarding the program’s visibility, stating, “We got started kind of late on it, so other than getting it in the newspaper, we haven’t been out and around too much.”

The donation period aligns with the holiday season, running until January 17. This timing encourages people to reflect on their loved ones, fostering a spirit of giving during a time when community connections are strong. Vander Velde noted that while donations are accepted year-round, the holiday campaign is particularly significant.

A tree has been placed at the front of the hospital, where donors can fill out cards with their names and those they are remembering. These cards will adorn the tree, symbolizing the community’s support and remembrance. Donations can be made online at [email protected] or in person at the hospital. Contributions of $20 or more qualify for income tax receipts, incentivizing generosity.

The Strathmore District Health Foundation is committed to ensuring that the Memory Tree continues to provide vital support for the hospital. By honoring the legacy of the Tree of Hope, the foundation aims to enhance the experience of patients and their families during challenging times. As the community rallies around this initiative, the Memory Tree represents not just a program, but a testament to the compassion and solidarity of the Strathmore community.