Festival of Trees

The hallway at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre (AJMC) is currently home to 12 Christmas trees for this year’s Festival of Trees fundraiser which is put on by the Whitecourt Boys and Girls Club. In past years, the Christmas trees were on display in the main foyer of the Carlan Centre; however, the club decided to move them this year so they’d get more public viewing. It’s quite the festive sight seeing all the trees lit up as you drive down the highway in the evening, or walking into the building.

Kyria Baranowski, Executive Director with the Boys and Girls Club of Whitecourt & District, said, “The Festival of Trees is one of our larger fundraising events of the year. We approached local businesses to donate and decorate a Christmas tree. In turn, through our AGLC license, the Christmas trees can be raffled off. This year we have 12 wonderfully decorated trees complete with lights. About half of our trees came from repeat sponsors of last year’s event. One of our business sponsors turned its tree donation into a family event. Their children came to the AJMC and helped decorate the tree and explain why it’s important to give back to the community.”

The raffle tickets went on sale on November 19 and are available for purchase at the front counter of the Allan & Jean Millar Centre for $10 a ticket. The ticket purchases will remain open until December 14 with the draw taking place at the AJMC at 6 p.m. The draw will happen in conjunction with Community Fun Night and the Santa Party that will be taking place. Baranowski said, “If someone’s name is drawn who doesn’t want the tree, the Boys and Girls Club will give it to a family in need.” Last year, the club donated four trees to families who didn’t have Christmas trees.

“Last year’s Festival of Trees raised approximately $2,200 so we’re hoping we can come in around those same numbers this year. We will put our funds from the raffle into programs for children which will include a nutrition program. We’re also in the process of setting up a physical activity program that should start in early 2020. It’s overwhelming to see people step up to donate something that might not mean a whole lot to them, but it means a great deal to us. We hope that through the programming we do for the kids, we’re able to return that favour,” Baranowski added.