The Christmas Ribbon campaign will return this year to spread holiday cheer through song and raise funds for mental health services.
For the second year in a row, the traditional Nightingale Chorus show was cancelled due to COVID-19. However, a large choral group will reunite to perform songs outdoors at nursing and long-term care homes, Bluewater Health, and around Lambton County neighborhoods.
The campaign will start on December 13 and end on December 21. Specific times and locations will be posted on The Christmas Ribbon's Facebook page.
The Christmas Ribbon, a partnership between the Bluewater Health Foundation and Nightingale Chorus, launched last year, and performances were held at 15 locations.
Funds raised through The Christmas Ribbon will support a mental health initiative for youth and young adults within the community.
"ACCESS Open Minds is going to be a game-changer when it comes to the ways that mental health services are provided to youth and young adults in Sarnia-Lambton," said Bluewater Health Foundation Executive Director Kathy Alexander. "It is very much needed and we've actually seen throughout the pandemic, an increased demand on resources for youth and young adults needing mental health care and treatment. So we know that this will make a tremendous difference."
Alexander said ACCESS Open Minds is an ongoing initiative coordinated through the foundation as part of a partnership between Bluewater Health, Canadian Mental Health Association, and St. Clair Child and Youth.
"We are actively fundraising to achieve a $3 million goal and construction is actually actively underway at the corner of Front Street and Lochiel Street and we hope that it will be open for youth and young adults in 2022."
Donations of over $20 will be eligible for a tax receipt. Online donations can be made by clicking, here.
Alexander said the foundation appreciates the work of those involved with The Christmas Ribbon and the coordination by Nightingale Chorus Founder Carrie Beauchamp.
"We're so grateful, not only for the allocation of funds to support projects at Bluewater Health but just for her continued support and spreading the holiday spirit to so many people," said Alexander. "It really does make a difference. It brings a smile to the faces here at the hospital and we know in the community as well."
The Nightingale Chorus first hit the stage in December of 1995, read a media release. At the time, it consisted of a total of 40 people. The Nightingale Chorus later grew to include a total of 150 people between cast and crew.
