Submitted Photo/fieldhockey.ca

By Jett Schwaier

SMILE SUNDAYS

Medicine Hat Health Foundation launches campaign to support patients and staff during the holidays

Nov 30, 2025 | 5:00 AM

The Medicine Hat Health Foundation has kicked off its annual Home for Christmas campaign, urging the community to support patients spending the holidays in hospital and the health-care workers who care for them.

Executive director Heather Bach said the foundation hopes to remind the community of those who cannot be home during the holidays.

“Not only are [patients] trying to get healthy, but mentally, it’s quite sad to be there alone, so we wanna make sure they’re not forgotten,” Bach said.

Bach said simple gestures, from thank-you cards to donations, can help staff feel appreciated while they spend the holidays caring for others.

“It helps them get through the holidays and reminds them why they’re making this sacrifice and being away from their family to take care of all of them,” Bach said.

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: Dec. 12-14

Dec 12, 2025

WHAT'S ON

Here is what's on this weekend in Medicine Hat: December 5-7

Dec 05, 2025

WHAT'S ON

Top five things to do at the Medicine Hat Public Library in December

Nov 30, 2025

“I think it’s just a kind gesture that our community could do.”

As part of its seasonal efforts, the foundation is promoting Giving Tuesday on Dec. 2.

Bach said the movement is popular in the U.S. and encourages people to give back after Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

While the day has existed locally, Bach said it has not gained strong recognition in Medicine Hat.

This year, the Health Foundation, along with several community groups in the city, are promoting the initiative.

Those groups include the Root Cellar, Medalta, the Medicine Hat Women’s Shelter, SEAWA, McMan, Family Services, SafeLink and the Santa Claus Fund.

“Cyber Monday and Black Friday are both crazy busy days. So how can we make Giving Tuesday louder? And that’s joining together and making our voice louder,” Bach said.

The foundation is also launching its Driving Donations for Local Healthcare raffle in partnership with Davis GMC Buick.

The fundraiser features a 2026 GMC Terrain Elevation, with tickets starting at $20.

The official campaign launch is set for Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025, with early-bird prizes to follow in February 2026.

“Hopefully, the community comes out to see [the car] and have a visit with us,” Bach said.

“Have some donuts and coffee, and be the first to get some tickets.”

The draw takes place on March 31, 2026, with proceeds supporting healthcare in Medicine Hat and the area.