The lighting display that has wowed Steinbach residents for many consecutive Christmases was again lit Tuesday night, only this time with a slightly different motivation.

The 104 shining trees around the Bethesda Regional Health Centre have forever symbolized hope and joy to those unable to leave their hospital beds during the holiday season. Board President Garth Reimer says the initiative that began many years ago to bolster the spirits of patients and their visitors this year symbolizes so much more. He notes the restrictive nature of the COVID-19 pandemic makes the lights especially important.

“Maybe there is not as much joy this year, in fact there has been a lot of suffering and tragedy, but we just thought that hope element would be reflected in us lighting the grounds; people hope for a better day and they hope their spirits can be lightened.”

This year, in particular, Reimer says the trees are also a nod to healthcare workers who are fighting every day to keep the coronavirus at bay. For the first time, he says, spruce trees around the Bethesda Place Personal Care Home have also been lit as an acknowledgment of all they have gone through since the pandemic began.

“The lighting of the trees has not been like other years where we have up to 700 people and hayrides and fireworks and free food,” says Reimer of what is usually a widely celebrated event. “Still, we thought it would be good for the hospital staff and the residents of the hospital and the PCH.”

Bethesda Foundation Executive Director Linda Peters adds the season will be very lonely for patients this year as most visitation is not allowed under the critical level of the Pandemic Response System. She prays the lights will brighten what could be a very dull Christmas for many.

As in years past, Peters says local residents have been asked to sponsor the decorated trees to raise money for the hospital.

“All of that money is able to go back into enhancing health care services in our community for our residents.”

With over $122,000 already made in sponsorships, Peters says there are only a few dozen trees that have not yet to be claimed. Anyone interested in sponsoring one of the remaining trees or simply making a donation to the hospital is encouraged to contact the Bethesda Foundation.