The St. Joseph's Foundation of Elliot Lake has kicked off its annual Tree of Lights fundraiser which this year is dedicated in memory to Leslie Aube and George Farkouh.
Leslie Aube was a member on the Board of St. Joseph's Foundation of Elliot Lake. She started her career in Elliot Lake working as a teacher. During her career and in retirement she continued to serve the community. She was the Vice-Chair on the Board of St. Joseph's Foundation, a life member of St. Joseph's Hospital Auxiliary and sat on the Board of Directors of St. Joseph's hospital for 12 years, finishing her term as its chairperson.
She also served on the board of directors of various organizations including the White Mountain Academy, the Arts Club and the Elliot Lake Legal Clinic. Leslie Aube and her husband, Roland Aube, volunteered their time in assisting in the organization of the Annual Elliot Lake Community Christmas dinner for five years. She was an artist, known as the rock lady, painting numerous scenes of the North Channel which she cruised extensively as the admiral on the family boat.
The other person being honoured is George Farkouh. George was born in Palestine and his family moved to Canada in 1959 and eventually moved to Elliot Lake. George completed his elementary and secondary school education in Elliot Lake. He went on to graduate with degrees from Laurentian University and Western University, including a Masters in Business Administration from the Ivey School of Business. George married his wife Louise and in 1975 they moved back from Toronto to partner with his brother Fawzi to open Farkouh Chevrolet. In 1986 George and Louise purchased Algoma Chrysler.
George was elected as a Councillor in 1986 and then served as Mayor of Elliot Lake from 1986 to 2006. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and served on numerous boards, including St. Joseph's General Hospital.
George always believed in the community of Elliot Lake, a city he loved.
This year the Foundation is raising funds to assist in the expansion of the Oncology Renovations at the hospital. The renovations will begin in the spring of 2024 and be completed within 4-6 months.Upon completion of the renovations, it will mean fewer patients will have to travel to Sudbury or Sault Ste. Marie to receive chemotherapy treatment.
This renovation is a $1.4 million project and St. Joseph's Foundation has committed to raising $700,000. The goal of the Tree of Lights campaign is to raise $25,000.
Donation sheets can be found online and hard copy sheets are available at local banks.
The official lighting will take place on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m.