This holiday season, residents across the Niagara Region will be enjoying the company of their loved ones, including Sarah McPherson and her father.
Sarah's father, who is now 96 years old, had his first physical injury at 95 when he broke his hip and leg.
During his time in the hospital, it was recommended to Sarah and the family that he be placed into long-term care.
While that was the suggestion from many doctors, Sarah knew her father had more life to live - and in September 2024 they got a referral to Hotel Dieu Shaver, Niagara's only specialty hospital that excels in providing rehabilitation and complex care.
Sarah says from the first day she could tell this would be a better place for him, as they saw a person, not just a patient.
On his very first day at HDS, the team had him doing physio and cardio exercises while in bed.
Sarah says her father has always enjoyed classical music, as it was a way from him to deal with street and anxiety. When she came in the next day to visit him, she couldn't believe her eyes.
After a three month stay at HDS, Mr. McPherson was released after regaining his strength, confidence and independence. Today, he uses a wheelchair and walker and transfers on his own, because of the care that was given to him.
During the holiday season, Hotel Dieu Shaver runs the Snowflakes and Angels campaign - their largest fundraiser of the year. Donations can be made in honour or in celebration of a loved one and are represented by a bulb illuminated on the tree at HDS. Donations of $50 or more will be published in the daily newspaper with a special insert on January 17, 2026.
McPherson says whenever she's able to make donations, she knows exactly where it will go.
Funds from the Snowflakes & Angels campaign allows Hotel Dieu Shaver to purchase priority pateint care equipment that wouldn't otherwise be funded by the government.
You can make a donation at their website, or by calling 905-378-HDSF.
(Written by: Matt Latour)