I erected my first angel tree 17 years ago in memory of my mother who struggled with heart disease, diabetes, cancer and was taken off life support in November of 2003. Time seems to freeze when you learn that someone you love is struggling or has been diagnosed with a life-threatening illness.  

I never understood the value of a moment until it became a memory.

Moments Matter!  Everyday creates a lifetime of moments.

They are emotions captured forever by everyone – anywhere or anyplace.
Life changing or happy endings – Moments matter!

For me, losing my mother, that one defining moment created a lifetime of purpose.

Life is precious and it is so important to be grateful for every second and every day that you do get to spend with the people that you love. 

This years’ angel tree ceremony may look and feel a little different, but it still represents a time to capture a moment.

A time to hang an angel in memory or honour of…

It is a chance to give a message that will express love and joy to the ones we care about the most.

This years’ angel tree is a time to take a moment, a time to embrace, a time for remembering and a time to give something from your heart.

Each time you remember something; it isn’t important what the memory is, what is important is that each time you remember something it warms your heart and brings a smile to your face.
We must never forget to enjoy the little things because they are never as little as we think.

This holiday season, you can send your heart felt message – by going online to RVHAngeltree.ca and make a minimum donation in memory or honour of a family member, friend or colleague who is struggling or loss to illness. The wonderful staff @ RVH will print your message on a tag, attach it to the angel and hang it on the tree.

It warms my heart to know that the Angel tree does bring some form of peace of mind throughout the holidays.

100% of your donations will be in support of Bell Media & RVHS Spirit of Giving campaign focusing on 4 key areas of patient care:

• Expand the RVH Intensive Care Unit
• Invest in the Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centres Breast Cancer Services
• Expand, equip and upgrade the RVH Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and,
• Continual investment into RVH’s Simcoe Muskoka Regional Heart Program.

There are no words to express how grateful I am to PURE Country 106, The Dock, Bell Media, RVH and all the frontline workers for all that they do each and every day in support of patient care.

There is enormous power in giving to others with no expectation of receiving anything in return.  I have witnessed the spirit of giving through so many individuals & businesses in our communities, giving almost instinctually of time, talent, and treasure. When you witness someone who truly gives from the heart, it is truly something to experience.

I know there have been many losses and illnesses – especially this year,  if I could give you, just one gift – it would be to give you the ability to see yourself through your loved one’s eyes, and then would you realize how special you are and how much joy you brought to their lives.

Believe in angels, because the more you believe, the more you see them all around in family, friends and acquaintances.

May you always have an angel by your side.