November in Prince George means that it is time for the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation’s – Festival of Trees! We are celebrating for ten days at the 18th Annual Festival of Trees…
Every year we have transformed the Civic Centre into a holiday wonderland of dazzling displays, carefully adorned trees, entertainment, lights and fun – and this year will not be any different. Our more than 300 volunteers have been working very hard to bring you a Festival of Trees that will help you start your 2011 holiday season with a smile on your face.
There are many events held during the festival in which the public is invited to participate. Among them are a Santa Brunch, fashion show, Children’s Craft World, seniors tea, Jingle Bell Dance and Teddy Bear Breakfast. Dates for these events can be found on the Festival of Trees Events Calendar located in the Special Events Page. There will also be a Gift Shoppe where you may just find that one-of-a-kind gift. If you can’t join us for one of the special events, please come down and enjoy the wonders of the magical Festival of Trees public viewing times.
The Festival of Trees is a Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation event and it is our way of thanking the community for all of the support we have received over the years. The Festival is also a fundraising event and all of the proceeds generated are used to support and enhance healthcare in our communities and at UHNBC. Many families have made the Festival a tradition and use it to kick-off their Holiday festivities.
Volunteer for Festival of Trees
More than 300 volunteers are needed to ensure the success of this annual event – and there are a variety of opportunities, time slots and areas that could use your help.
To volunteer, please call Debie Hamilton at 250-565-2522 or email debie.hamilton@northernhealth.ca.
Bea’s Tree
This interesting tree was purchased by Bea Dezell in the early 50’s at Perry’s Pharmacy. She used it to help celebrate Christmas with her Brownie Pack (which she ran for close to 15 years before moving up to an executive position in the guiding movement).
During its early years, the tree was the Brownie tree and was borrowed by other leaders and many other organizations to add a special festive spirit to their holiday celebrations. Then it was stowed in Bea’s basement waiting to be called upon once again.
Its time came a few years later when it was donated to the Weavers Guild to be used at Studio 2880 to hang hand-made Christmas ornaments for StudioFair. After a few years, the weavers eventually decided it was time to move it along again. During a fundraising garage sale, Shirley Gratton bought it for $1.00. She could see its potential and after all, in true Shirley Gratton fashion, she was supporting a good cause.
It was again, a few years later, when Shirli Gene Sadowick was helping her mom Shirley at her garage sale. She saw her mom debating on whether or not to include the tree in her sale. Shirli Gene quickly helped her decide by pulling it off the sale table. “You can’t sell this!” Shirli Gene exclaimed as she hustled it off to her vehicle. She too saw something more to this little tree – something that had kept it around for all of these years.
In 2004, the little tree’s garage sale days came to an end. We now present to you ‘Bea’s Tree’. It has come full circle and is once again being used for community service. What a fitting tribute to Bea who has contributed to our community in so many ways over many years.
Each year we will auction off Bea’s Tree, acknowledging those who have purchased it in previous years. It will become our own little auction tradition – a tradition of giving generously and of the wonderful history of an amazing community.
As the successful bidder you will have Bea’s Tree for the holiday season and then return it in early January to the Foundation for safekeeping. You will receive a photograph for your family and your story will become part of the history of the tree as it continues on in perpetuity. You will receive a commemorative ornament for your own tree and your name, on a plaque, will be placed on the tree base. You will also receive a tax receipt for the total amount of your donation.
Since 2004 Bea’s tree has raised $41,650 as of 2011 Festival of Trees.
