AN EARLY GIFT FOR LIGHTS OF HOPE

September 29, 2011

Learn how you can support the Lights of Hope

Dr. Garey Mazowita, head of the Department of Family and Community Medicine, a Bronze Donor for the 2011 Lights of Hope campaign.

Summer may have just ended, but the community is already feeling inspired to support the 2011 Lights of Hope campaign.

In fact, the annual holiday campaign for St. Paul’s greatest needs has already received its first group donation from the St. Paul’s Hospital family – and it was made all the way back in May.

Giving back

The Department of Family and Community Medicine made the gift because it wanted to give something back to Providence Health Care following the success of its most recent Continuing Medical Education conference.

“We’ve been a remarkable department in respect to our commitment to Providence Health Care, to teaching and to a holistic care model that includes care in the community, care in the hospital and the transitions between them,” says department head Dr. Garey Mazowita.

Given the department’s role in bridging the community-hospital interface, a prominent community campaign like the Lights of Hope seemed like an ideal recipient of one of the department’s donations – particularly because of its role in helping the hospital provide compassionate care to a diverse patient population of more than 380,000 per year.

“Everyone who comes into our residency program at St. Paul’s is there because they want to work with the city’s disadvantaged and marginalized populations, and they want to be part of a culture that supports that kind of care. So the Lights of Hope seemed like a really good fit for us,” says Dr. Mazowita.

About the Lights of Hope

Now heading into its 14th year, the Lights of Hope campaign invites members of the community and the St. Paul’s Hospital family to support the hospital’s greatest needs, as well as its role as an invaluable resource for the people of B.C.

The Lights of Hope campaign is perhaps best known for illuminating the exterior of the hospital with a spectacular display of lights recognizing donors to the campaign.

Reach for the stars and help St. Paul’s shine

Having already given to the campaign at the Bronze Level, the Department of Family and Community Medicine will be one of the donors recognized with a star on the display.

“I think our members will find it reaffirming to see that symbol that we’re part of the hospital and that we contribute to the hospital,” Mazowita says. “That’s something that will really resonate with us.”

Eligible donations made to the Lights of Hope campaign by October 19 will be recognized on the display when it is lit for the first time on November 24.

If you would also like to support the 2011 Lights of Hope campaign, please visit www.lightsofhope.com or call 604-662-4673 (HOPE).