Nine Northern hospital foundations launch the 2025 Northern Star campaign: Health deserves to shine

Bathurst, November 12, 2025 – Under the theme “Health deserves to shine,” nine hospital foundations in northern New Brunswick officially launched the 2025 Northern Star campaign.

This major annual initiative unites communities across the entire territory with a common goal: to improve the health care and services provided in our hospitals and community health centers.

The launch ceremony, held at the Gowan Brae Golf Club in Bathurst, was hosted by David Blanchard, president of the Northern Star for the Caraquet region, who also acted as master of ceremony.

“The Northern Star is a symbol of solidarity and a regional pride. Every donation helps to tangibly improve the care provided here, in our community first and foremost, and contributes to the well-being of patients and their families,” emphasized David Blanchard.

Donations collected during the campaign will be used to purchase essential equipment for each of the region’s facilities in order to better meet the needs of patients and healthcare staff.

An exemplary collaboration
This campaign is an exemplary collaboration between the nine foundations of the Vitalité Health Network in northern New Brunswick and UNI Financial Cooperation, a partner committed to the Northern Star initiative since its beginning. Together, they are pursuing their shared mission: to promote health in our communities and support the sustainable development of local healthcare services.

How to contribute?
The 2025 campaign edition offers many ways for the community to get involved. Citizens can purchase symbolic mini-trees starting at $2. These mini-trees are available at several points of sale, as well as at UNI Financial Cooperation service points in participating regions.

In addition, the campaign offers the opportunity to pay tribute to a loved one with a dedication for a contribution of $200. The name of the loved one will be inscribed on a Christmas ball placed on a lighted tree in front of the hospital of their choice.

The annual tree lighting ceremony will take place on November 26 in each participating region. The public is warmly invited to join in this magical evening to celebrate solidarity and health in northern New Brunswick.

“Together, let’s make health shine in northern New Brunswick,” added Mr. Blanchard.

The nine participating foundations are:

• Chaleur Regional Hospital Foundation (Bathurst);

• Fondation Hôpital de l’Enfant-Jésus Inc. (Caraquet);

• Foundation of the Friends of the Grand Falls General Hospital Inc. (Grand Falls);

• Edmundston Regional Hospital Foundation (Edmundston);

• Lamèque Hospital and CHC Foundation (Lamèque);

• Friends of Healthcare Foundation (Campbellton);

• Fondation Dr Romaric Boulay (Saint-Quentin);

• The Friends of the Stella-Maris-de-Kent Foundation (Sainte-Anne-de-Kent);

• Fondation Les Amis de l’Hôpital de Tracadie (Tracadie).

 

For information:

Brenda Brideau
Development and Program Officer
(506) 394-3001