The United Way BC Tree of Lights is in its sixth year and the fundraising goal is $40,000.
The kickoff event was held on Thursday night at the Coast Prince George Hotel where the tree was entirely lit up and then went dark for a moment before it was lit incrementally. It will continue to do so until the fundraising goal of $40,0000 has been reached.
Donations are accepted until Dec. 20.
“It’s the United Way BC’s Tree of Lights but it remains local,” said Lorna Bihori, Tree of Lights campaign manager for the North.
“So the tree is here in Prince George and the dollars coming in will support Prince George. It’s all about helping people who are struggling. To bring support to them and bring hope to them at this time of year. And who doesn’t like to look at Christmas lights? It’s just a nostalgic time of year and it fills our hearts and it really is a time of giving.”
As donations come in bulbs on the tree will be lit with every donation until the fundraising goal is met.
“The tree is the fundraising monitor so it’s always exciting to see it get to the next stage,” Bihori said.
“We encourage people if they can spare $10 to light up two bulbs on that tree. Let’s get closer to that goal. Last year we were able to bring in $30,000 and because of that we now have a School’s Out Program here in Prince George.”
The School’s Out program provides after-school educational support between 3 and 6 p.m. that includes homework assistance, physical activity and development, mentoring, social and emotional support, and help for at-risk children to develop basic life skills. This helps increase children’s self-confidence and self-esteem and helps them develop positive social behaviours and lifestyles.
“The people who are providing this program are amazing and truly tuned into the children and that’s fantastic,” Bihori said.
“Now we’re looking to bring in a food hub into the north so this $40,000 can go a long way to support that. I always say that food fuels the body and mind and in every single program people are affected, whether it’s seniors, whether it’s youth, whether you’re struggling because you’re working class - everyone could use some help especially with the price of groceries now. So it really ties it all together.”
To inspire donations for this year’s Tree of Lights campaign, Northern Hart Designs has created a special wooden ornament for a donation of $5 and there is also teddy bears available for a $10 donation for each one.
The teddy bears have been donated to the United Way to help raise funds. People can choose to keep the toy to be gifted to loved ones, while others will donate the bear back to the United Way to be gifted to those in need and another option is to throw the teddy on the ice during the Prince George Cougars Teddy Bear Toss on Dec. 7 to be distributed to non-profit agencies for those in need at Christmas.
“So it’s the gift that keeps on giving,” Bihori smiled.
“Join us this holiday season, support the tree and help us light it up.”
To donate visit uwbc.ca/campaign/tree-of-lights/.
