‘Love Locks’ are a symbol of love and commitment. The phenomenon can be seen across a number of continental destinations, although they are believed to have originated in China – where couples locked a padlock on a chain or gate and then threw away the key; symbolically locking their love forever. Around the world, cities from Moscow to Rome are filled from fences bridges to poles adorned with ‘love locks.’

Paris is most famous for the locks, which began appearing on the ‘Pont des Arts’ in 2008. It’s become somewhat of a tradition for visitors to ‘The City of Love,’ inscribing their names onto padlocks then affixing them to one of the many Parisian bridges across the City.

The locks, meant to symbolize unbreakable love, have sweethearts’ names written on them with an important date like an anniversary or the date the lock was added.

In the same way that couples share their affection at landmarks across Europe, we want you to help us fill our wall by making a donation and creating a lock with expressions of love, gratitude and support in the following ways:

An important date with personal meaning/anniversary

A new arrival/hope for the future

A personal message of love or appreciation

This year, your love will be locked into place in a new home — on an indoor installation, placed in the Sills 2 corridor — the busiest corridor of our hospital. Your personalized Love Lock will be prominently displayed and visible to all who walk our halls.

Supporters can help us decorate the new Love Locks installation by purchasing their own personalized, heart-shaped padlock. Each lock colour represents a donation value.

All funds raised will be directed towards the highest priority medical equipment at Belleville General Hospital and matched dollar for dollar up to the value of $100,000 by the Belleville General Hospital Auxiliary.