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VIDEO: Tree of Lights returns to Prince George after two-year absence

United Way's Tree of Lights Kick-Off event takes place Nov. 24
Jess Balzer
Jess Balzer

A holiday staple in Prince George can now be seen atop a downtown hotel.

United Way of Northern B.C. (UWNBC) has brought back the Tree of Lights to the top of the Coast Inn of the North hotel after the last appearance in 2016. 

The tree is a massive 60 feet and was hoisted onto the roof of the hotel earlier today (Nov. 6) after the United Way stepped up to bring the event back to the northern capital, taking over for the previous event holder, which was the Salvation Army.

“We’re always looking for those opportunities to have community impact and bring meaning to the work that we do," said Trista Spencer, Interim Executive Director for UWNBC to PrinceGeorgeMatters. 

"This seemed to be one of those holiday celebrations that was an event that brought the community together and that’s really what we stand for. It was one of those holiday icons that we’re really excited to bring back and one that we all have memories of as well.”

"The tree acts as a guide, to bring people home to the support, care, and compassion during their most vulnerable times," she added. "We are thrilled to engage with the people and organizations of this most generous community and be able to help people get the hand up they need and deserve."

Spencer says everything happened pretty quickly in getting the tree in place for the Coast Inn and hopes people can look up and be immediately impacted by what the tree represents during the holidays.

"I sort of liken this back to what I thought of when I was a child. When I looked at the tree, I thought of this beacon of hope and the true spirit of the season where it actually says ‘We’re here and we’re here for the community.’ Driving down from the Hart, driving down from College Heights, coming from wherever you are, I just feel like it’s just this historical thing people look for to know that the holiday season is upon and it brought people together.”

United Way has a fundraising goal of $25,000 for this year's campaign with the money going to mental health supports in Prince George. 

"Mental health needs continue to rise; whether friends, family, co-workers, or ourselves, everyone is touched by these difficulties in some way," a UWNBC news release adds. 

"The holiday season can make issues around mental health even more prevalent, amplifying already fragile situations and putting further pressure on already waning resources."

A formal public lighting ceremony will take place on Sunday, Nov. 24.

If you would like to find out more information, become a sponsor or make a donation to the initiative, you can contact the United Way of Northern B.C. by email or call 250-561-1040.