Season to Shine Launch Brings Community Together on Giving Tuesday

An intimate gathering for the Season to Shine Launch event.

The Season to Shine campaign officially kicked off on the evening of Giving Tuesday with a heartfelt tree-lighting celebration at the Strathroy Middlesex General Hospital Foundation. While the gathering was intimate, the spirit of generosity was strong, with representatives from MYFM, members of the Foundation Board, the Hospital CEO, many dedicated Auxiliary volunteers, and community members joining together to mark the start of the campaign.

At the launch, 10 trees were lit, symbolizing the generosity that had already raised $153,000 toward the campaign’s goal. Following the lighting, guests were invited inside to warm up with hot chocolate and cupcakes, sharing conversation and connection as they celebrated what had already been achieved.

The evening also provided an early boost for the Auxiliary Christmas Store, which saw strong support from attendees and continued to be a popular destination in the days that followed, offering festive, tax-free shopping in support of patient care.

All 18 trees were lit and an incredible $388,480 was raised support the MRI Suite and for the Hospital's greatest equipment needs.

As the campaign unfolded, the lights around the hospital quickly became a highlight for the broader community. Staff, patients, families, and visitors shared many positive comments, with families making special trips to see the illuminated grounds, turning the hospital into a true destination of light, warmth, and community pride.

By the close of the campaign, every tree was lit, and an incredible $388,480 was raised. Many donors designated their gifts to support the MRI, while $145,000 was directed to the hospital’s greatest equipment needs, ensuring vital tools and technology are available to support patient care.

Looking ahead, Season to Shine will return next year, launching on Giving Tuesday, December 1, alongside the Auxiliary’s Christmas Store — another opportunity for our community to come together in support of care close to home.

The Foundation extends a giant, heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated, attended, shared kind words, or simply paused to enjoy the lights. Season to Shine was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together in generosity and care.