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Christmas tree raffle benefits Ponoka General Hospital

For the second year in a row, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree sits at the Ponoka General Hospital for patients, visitors and staff to admire. It is covered with bows, beads and elaborate ornaments meant to portray an “old country Christmas” theme made possible by the talent, vision and generous support of travel consultant Theresa Turner
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Direct Travel travel consultant

By Kim Hutchison

Staff Reporter:

For the second year in a row, a beautifully decorated Christmas tree sits at the Ponoka General Hospital for patients, visitors and staff to admire. It is covered with bows, beads and elaborate ornaments meant to portray an “old country Christmas” theme made possible by the talent, vision and generous support of travel consultant Theresa Turner in combination with Direct Travel. Last year, a Christmas tree also made possible by Turner, was decorated with all copper colored ornaments to compliment the theme deemed “copper glitz.” This year, that Christmas tree was taken to the Farmer’s Market where tickets were sold with all of the ornaments going to the winner. Earlier this week, those ornaments were placed in gift boxes and at 4 p.m. on Dec. 8, the draw took place. $579 was raised in total and all proceeds will go to the hospital’s patient bed fund. Pat Stingel is the lucky winner.

“I decided to get involved because the money raised goes to such a great cause and the whole process is just so much fun,” said Turner.

“Everyone who walks by the tree comments on how beautiful it is” said manager of volunteer services for the David Thompson Health Region Lynn Gray. “The sight of it really brings the Christmas spirit to patients who don’t have a choice but to be here during the holidays and it’s wonderful to witness that.”

There will be another raffle for the decorations on the tree pictured above in the new-year. More information will become available at that time.