Sitting on top of the Coast Inn of the North, the United Way of Northern BC (UWNBC) Tree of Lights is bringing a little Christmas joy back into the season.
UWNBC has now also added three new events before the final light-up of the tree to bring a little joy and happiness to everyone in a new pandemic friendly format.
Early Bird Kick-off Dec. 5:
With the help of local businesses, the United Way will be giving away thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes to people that will make donations to light the bulbs/strings on the tree.
People who make their donation before Dec. 5 will have their names entered into a draw to win thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes.
A live-stream of the event will start at 4 p.m. on the Tree of Lights Facebook page, where the tree will be lit up and the early-bird draw will take place.
2020 Virtual Christmas Party – Dec. 12:
As part of the “new normal” with everyone staying homes, UWNBC says it is imperative to find new ways to bring joy and happiness to our lives this Christmas and will be celebrating with an online Christmas party.
The purpose of the free event is to bring the community together, and will be held virtually with no requirement of registration.
It will encompass different holiday themes performances and activities for people to tune into details of which will be available on the United Way Tree of Lights Facebook page this week.
Drive Thru to Donate – Dec. 19:
UWNBC is also hosting a Christmas Drive Thru!
The Team at Powerhouse Plaza will be fully decorated with Christmas Lights and decorations with inflatables, outdoor décor, trees, etc. Santa will be on-site to interact with passing cars and listen to children’s Christmas wishes. People will be able to make donations to light the bulbs on the tree from the comfort of their vehicles.
“We are so excited to bring a little holiday magic to the community through these events! With this year being so unusual and isolating, we wanted to find some opportunities to bring the joy of the season through some amazing giveaways and some heartfelt entertainment,” says Trista Spencer, UWNBC Exectutive Director in a news release.
“We ask for your support through early donations so you can get in on the draws and help us kick off the campaign with gusto! And, we truly hope you will join us for our virtual Christmas party the following Saturday – have it on while you’re wrapping Christmas presents, playing games with your family, or sit and watch with a cup of cocoa and cozy blanket. It’s a great way to come together – apart.”
The fundraising goal for this year is $30,000 with proceeds going toward raising awareness and support of programs and services to fight the ongoing issues of drug abuse and overdose in Prince George and the other issue that surround it, like mental wellness and basic needs.
You can check out the United Way’s Tree of Lights website for more information.
