The Bethesda Foundation has announced how it plans to use the money raised in this year's Gifts Of Light campaign.

Executive Director Linda Peters says through this fundraiser, individuals can either sponsor red Christmas trees that hang along boulevards in Steinbach or sponsor the lighting of trees on the grounds of the hospital.

Peters explains there are several different sponsorship opportunities. For example, a $500 sponsorship will light up a regular tree, while $2,500 will cover an extra large tree. Sponsoring a red Christmas tree that goes up along Main Street or Highway 12 will set you back $100. According to Peters, they hope to light up about 50 trees at the hospital this year and hang approximately 200 of the red trees.

The money raised this year will go towards the expansion at Rest Haven.

"Over the past few years way too many of our parents and grandparents have had to leave the community that they helped to build when they need care in the last years of their life," says Peters. "So we really need to create a place for them here at home."

Peters explains in past years this fundraiser has helped projects such as the CancerCare Centre, the Crisis Stabilization Unit, the emergency department expansion and the Bethesda Primary Care Centre. As well, they often purchase miscellaneous pieces of equipment for the hospital.

A tree lighting ceremony will take place at the hospital on December 2nd from 4 pm to 6 pm. Peters says festivities that day will include horse-drawn wagon rides, hot dogs, hot chocolate and entertainment, as well as the official ceremony at 5:30 and fireworks.

"Having the hospital grounds lit up with thousands of colourful lights really sends a wonderful message of hope and healing during the holiday season," she says.