The Yukon Hospital Foundation has launched its annual public appeal with the opening of the 2009 Northwestel Festival of Trees and an update on its latest fundraising initiative, Picture Perfect Health. This year, the Foundation is working to raise $750,000.00 to convert one of the X-ray rooms in the Whitehorse General Hospital’s Northwestel Centre for Medical Imaging to state-of-the art digital technology.

“For the past year, the Foundation has worked closely with the Whitehorse General Hospital medical staff to determine the next area of care with a critical need for new equipment,” said Keith Byram, Chair of the Yukon Hospital Foundation. “This year’s Picture Perfect Health campaign will make a significant difference to both patients and staff at our hospital.”

“We are very grateful for the efforts of the Foundation and the many companies, organizations and individuals that provide their support,” said Craig Tuton, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Yukon Hospital Corporation. “In 2008, close to 14,000 radiography exams were performed at our hospital. This shows how important it is to improve the equipment that we rely upon so much.”

The Yukon Hospital Foundation has been in place since 2005 to enhance diagnostic and treatment services at Whitehorse General Hospital. One of its key fundraising activities is the Northwestel Festival of Trees, which takes place each November.

“We invite Yukoners to be generous as they participate in the 2009 festival,” said Northwestel Vice President Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer, Jason Bilsky, who also volunteers on the Foundation’s Board. “We have a wonderful festival planned this year, with some exciting changes that will make the event better than ever.”

This year’s Northwestel Festival of Trees continues from today, November 19^th through to November 28^th. Changes to this year’s activities include the introduction of an event for families, the Skookum Asphalt Santa Breakfast, on Sunday, November 22^nd, and a new location for some of the activities. Today’s launch took place in the main Yukon Government building on 2^nd Avenue, which is the new venue for the downtown exhibit of trees, the BAH Humbug Cocktail Party and the Skookum Asphalt Santa Breakfast. In another new development, Alkan Air, which has sponsored the BAH Humbug Cocktail Party in the past, has now stepped into a new role as the title sponsor of the Grand Ball, the premier event of the festival, to be held on November 28^th.

Yukoners can contribute to the Picture Perfect Health campaign by attending any of the 2009 festival events, including the Skookum Asphalt Santa Breakfast, the BAH Humbug Cocktail Party, the Seniors’ Soiree and the Alkan Air Grand Ball. They may also place bids in the silent auction for the beautifully-decorated trees on display at the Yukon Government Building until November 27^th, or donate via the Foundation’s direct mail appeal. As well, Yukoners may learn more about the Foundation and donate online by visiting www.yhf.ca.

Last year’s annual campaign focus was Back the Cat, which completed fundraising for a new CT Scanner, now in place at Whitehorse General Hospital.