GIPPSLAND Southern Health Service (GSHS) is planting the seeds for a community fundraising initiative that will create a lasting legacy of health for the region.

GSHS is unveiling two new Our Tree of Life donation trees that will be placed in the foyer of both Leongatha and Korumburra hospitals.

Our Tree of Life is an important part of the health service’s fundraising initiatives and donations of $100 or more gives people the opportunity to dedicate a leaf on the tree.

All proceeds raised through Our Tree of Life go towards the purchase of unfunded equipment, projects, infrastructure or services that will benefit the community and ensure it has access to the care and support it needs.

GSHS Manager Transformation and Community Engagement Sandra Panagiris said, “Our Tree of Life represents the connectedness of our community and the enduring legacy we can create together”.

Ms Panagiris worked closely with local laser cutting and etching business owners Donna and Nelson Caneleo of Meridian Etch to create the project. 

“Donna and Nelson have generously donated a significant amount of their time and expertise to design and create Our Tree of Life for us,” Ms Panagiris said. 

“Essentially, Our Tree of Life came about as part of an idea on how we could acknowledge and thank generous donors from our community,” she added. 

“Anyone who makes a donation of $100 and above will have the opportunity to create a legacy leaf that will form part of the tree.”

The tree also enables community members to acknowledge a significant event such as the birth of a child or passing of a loved one to create a legacy leaf in their honour.

Ms Panagiris said that by contributing to Our Tree of Life, people are not just donating; they are planting a seed of hope and making a lasting impact.