‘Really warms people’s hearts’: Angel Squad returns to Maryland Bridge

The Misericordia Health Centre Foundation Angel Squad celebrated its 30th anniversary Tuesday morning.

The Maryland Bridge was a sea of white gowns, gold halos, and, of course, fluttering wings Tuesday morning as the Misericordia Angel Squad made its annual return.

The Angels brave the cold during the morning commute each year in support of the Misericordia Health Centre (MHC) Foundation, and Tuesday’s fundraising event was more joyous than ever as the Angel Squad celebrated its 30th anniversary.

“It’s incredible,” Lisa Stiver, MHC Foundation board chair, told CTV News. “The annual event has grown over the years. As I understand, 30 years ago it was just a few angels outside of the Health Centre on the bridge.”

The host of angels has reached the hundreds in recent years as MHC staff, community members, dignitaries, and schools in the area have joined in on the fun.

“The event is something that really warms people’s hearts,” Stiver said.

This year, the Angel Squad was collecting donations for the MHC’s pediatric programming – from ophthalmology to dentistry – with a fundraising goal of $60,000.

The money will be used to put together take-home dental kits, spruce up MHC’s pediatric ophthalmology clinic’s waiting room, and even buy prescription glasses.

“We’re focusing on Misericordia’s youngest patients… for the children who are unable to otherwise afford this care,” Stiver explained.

Traditionally, motorists would hand over cold hard cash to the Angel Squad, but organizers switched things up during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, donations can be made online, by phone, or in-person. More information can be found on the MHC Foundation website.