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Eric Bunnell's People: Adding leaves to the Tree of Life

St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital recognizes “the generous gift of organ and tissue donation"

A tree grows – not in Brooklyn but closer to home.

It’s the Tree of Life at St. Thomas-Elgin General Hospital, which recognizes “the generous gift of organ and tissue donation.”

Eric Bunnell's People: Adding leaves to the Tree of Life Back to video

A couple of weeks ago, the hospital added 15 new leaves to the tree to honour its 2025 donors. Located in the hospital’s Hallway of Heroes outside the intensive care unit, the Tree of Life now features more than 150 handcrafted leaves.

“The display stands as a symbol of gratitude, remembrance, and the lasting legacy created through donation.”

Hospital officials note that more than 4.7-million Ontarians – approximately 35 per cent of health card holders – are registered organ and tissue donors.

But in St. Thomas, the registration rate is even higher at 47 per cent.

Intensivist Dr. Fahad Sheikh, physician lead for organ and tissue donation at the St. Thomas hospital, describes the Tree of Life as an important reminder of the impact of donation.

“Each leaf represents a deeply personal decision made during an incredibly difficult time,” he is quoted.

“These donors and their families have given others the chance for improved health and quality of life. We are grateful for their generosity and encourage everyone to take a moment to learn more about organ and tissue donation, register their decision, and share it with their loved ones.”

April was Be A Donor Month. Click to beadonor.ca for more information.

One year after the 2025 federal election, the tide may be turning in Elgin–St. Thomas–London South, reports 338canada.com. Twelve months after Andrew Lawton claimed the Tory-blue riding for

Conservative Party of Canada with 50 per cent of the vote, oft-cited 338Canada says chances are the electoral district now would vote Liberal red If a general election was to be held today.

Though it says the two parties are pretty much neck and neck in voter support (Liberals, 47 per cent, Conservatives 42 per cent, but each overlapping with a seven-point margin of error), 338Canada still gives the Liberals a 73........

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