The Spirit of Christmas was everywhere you looked this holiday season at Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.

A very creative staff transformed many departments of the hospital for the annual decorating contest.

The long-standing tradition, which has turned out to be more than a little competitive, is also a lot of fun.

The cardio-respiratory department is just one example. The sign on the door says 'Welcome to Whoville'.

Inside, the story of  'How the Grinch Stole Christmas' was illustrated with handmade posters and decorations. Pictures of all staff members carried their new Whoville names.

The effort won the departmental prize for humour in the annual awards announced at the hospital Christmas party.

“It is nice to be recognized,” says Respiratory Therapist Mardy Korzeniecki, who worked with several others to create Whoville.

“It was a lot of fun and a team effort and it helps to cheer up our patients over the holiday season.”

It is also a very fitting theme because this team includes the heart function and cardio rehabilitation clinics. After all, the Grinch’s heart – originally two sizes too small – is better than ever by the end of the story!

At Soldiers’, there were other decorating winners in the Intensive Care Unit, where this team captured the honour for best decorated tree.

Staff trimmed their tree with stuffed animals purchased from the Easter Seal Society.

They collected $620 to support the society and donated the toys to Couchiching Jubilee House and the Children’s Aid Society. Their spirit of giving helped three different charitable causes in our community.

Many other hospital departments supported good causes. Staff in numerous areas replaced department parties and gift exchanges with group charitable contributions.

Teams from nutrition and food services, the emergency department and complex continuing care all sponsored needy famlies. Other departments donated to the food bank or promoted an annual boot drive.

One other very important display of Christmas spirit was seen on another Christmas tree in the front hospital lobby.  

This one is in thanks to generous donors to the hospital foundation and the Give a Gift campaign that was launched here in Orillia Today in December. The campaign has already contributed almost $7,000 to buy needed hospital equipment.

There is still time for you to help your hospital by filling out the form that came in your paper last month, or making a donation at the hospital foundation office, or at the volunteer desk in the hospital lobby.

On behalf of everyone at your hospital, best wishes to you and your family for a happy and healthy 2008.

– Sharon Burkhart is Director of Public Affairs at Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital.