The Angel Tree that stood tall in the 'back porch' of Mariposa Market the last several weeks raised critical funds and vital awareness for Mariposa House Hospice again this year.
Lynn Thomas, the donor relations coordinator for Mariposa House Hospice, says the Angel Tree fundraiser raised $26,100 this year, surpassing the fundraising goal by $1,100.
"During the final 10 minutes of the tree being open yesterday, one of our board members came in and gave a $1,000 donation in honour of William (Bill) Swinimer," she explained, referencing the well-known local philanthropist who passed away last month. "That was the last angel hung on the tree for 2023."
Thomas says the tree has become a special stopping place for the community to remember and grieve the loss of loved ones.
"Christmas and the holidays are not easy for everybody," she said. "This is one of those tangible things in the community where people can stop and really remember a loved one that is no longer here over the holidays."
Each year, Thomas herself donates money to place an angel on the tree in honour of her late father and sister.
"It's just very therapeutic to tangibly write their name out and hang it somewhere with a beautiful angel," she said. "It gives them a place to be remembered during the whole time that the tree is open."
The money raised from the fundraiser this year will be used toward the Mariposa House Hospice operational budget.
"We need to raise 60 per cent of our operational costs because our care is given at no cost," Thomas said. "We factor this into our fundraising. "
Mariposa House Hospice needs to raise around $800,000 each year to keep its services at no cost to residents, she explained.
"That money goes directly to the care of our residents and their loved ones," Thomas said.
While fundraising is crucial to the success of Mariposa House Hospice, awareness is also important.
"There are a lot of people who still don't know what a hospice is," Thomas said. "People don't think about it until they are at that point in their life."
Thomas says events like the Angel Tree fundraiser do a lot for the organization in terms of spreading information to the public.
"It's almost in a way more important than the funds we raise," she said. "We want to be able to bring awareness that this beautiful service exists in our community, and we need the support of the community.
Thomas gives a special thanks to volunteers who collected donations at the tree this year. She also thanks the organizing team and all those who donated.
