Prince George's Tree of Lights is lighting the way for mental health supports in the community as it's raised a little over $20,000.
After a two-year absence, the Tree of Lights returned to Prince George thanks to the United Way of Northern B.C. who stepped up to bring the event back to the northern capital, which was last held in 2016 and organized by the Salvation Army.
The 60-foot tree has been perched on top of the Coast Prince George Hotel by APA since Nov. 24 and as donations came in throughout the holiday season, more of the bulbs on the tree were lit to become visible across the city.
The amount raised during this year's campaign was announced at the final light-up event held at the Coast Inn of the North. The event featured pictures with Santa and his sleigh inside the lobby, hot chocolate and cookies, Cantata choir singing carols and a speech by MLA Shirley Bond.
"It was so exciting to see the tree back up on the roof," says Bond. "All throughout the community people were talking about how nice it was to see the Tree of Lights back up. I just want to say to all of you at the United Way know that you’ve done an amazing job."
The United Way decided to put the funds raised toward mental health supports in the Prince George area. The recipients of the funding will be organizations like the Canadian Mental Health Association, Foundry and Intersect Youth and Family Services.
"We knew it was important to the community but didn’t realize how important it was to the community and to be front and centre in the middle of that is and be able to participate in what that looks like it means a lot to our team," says United Way of Northern B.C. spokesperson Trista Spencer.
"We have been very taken aback by the generosity of the community. We have had lots of donations from $5, the change in their pocket to an anonymous $5,000 donation when we first put our plea out to help us get there."
During the event board member, Jennifer Alexander revealed the United Way raised $20,375 of the $25,000 goal.
"It’s always disappointing not to meet our goal but when you think about the effort that went into it and how $20,000 is a massive amount of money so we are just over-the-moon grateful for what we have," adds Spencer.
"We are excited about the opportunity we will have next year when we have more time to talk to the community about it. Our team is already excited and planning for next year."
Although the tree is already light-up for everyone to enjoy for Christmas, the Coast Inn of the North, and United Way are still accepting donations.
If you would like to contribute to the campaign you can donate at the front desk of the Coast Inn of the North, at the United Way of Northern B.C. office (1600 3rd Avenue - Fifth Floor) or online.
