Written by BERNICE TRICK
Citizen staff
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Tuesday, 25 November 2008 |
Dawson Jones, 2, looks at a display with amazement at the Festival of Trees Tuesday morning. The Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation event continues today and is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (Citizen photo by Brent Braaten)
The Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation event, designed to raise funds for health care in the North, has again transformed the Civic Centre into a fantasy forest of more than 30 delightfully decorated trees to suit all tastes.
"Every tree is unique. You just have to read between the branches," said David Wharrie, the foundation's executive director.
When two-year-old Malachi Richards found his favourite tree with a toy train running around the base, there was no budging him to move on.
"He won't leave this tree. He just keeps saying, 'No. Go away. I want to stay here to look at the train,'" said his mother Chantel.
It was the Polar Friends tree by Farr Industries that caught his eye and that of many other viewers. "That Polar tree is my favourite," said Marlies Greulich who was among the 330 guests at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon Tuesday.
Those who like to remember Christmas past may prefer the Old Fashioned Christmas tree by HSBC, which takes you back in time with Father Christmas, real candles on the tree and baskets of goodies from books to teddy bears.
Then there's Northern Exposure, which sold at auction Friday night for $17,000, that bears gifts like a large barbecue, wicker furniture and a unique five-foot high pedestal clock.
For the the outdoors people, there's Sportsman's Wonderland with a cozy campfire keeping Mr. and Mrs. Claus and Rudolph warm that offers sports goodies like fishing gear, outdoor camping equipment, tackle box and more.
The Anne of Green Gables tree by TD Canada Trust is topped with Anne's hat and long red braids and comes with gifts like a rocking chair, pitcher and wash basin set, doll cradle and antique-looking end tables.
Spirit of Christmas by the Knights of Columbus is festooned with white ribbon and comes with a large nativity scene, while Canadian Tire's Romantic tree is one of the few topped by an angel. And don't forget to watch for The Citizen's snow-covered tree called Ice Crystal Christmas, with its white lights, subtle pastel balls and crystal bears and figurines under the tree.
Chamber of Commerce luncheon speaker Les Waldie, human resources manager with Northern Health and president of the Prince George Community Foundation, took the opportunity during this season to encourage leadership among business people in the city to take us through this unsettling economic time and to continue to move the community forward.
Using a model from his university days that basically says, "It's Up to You," Waldie told the gathering each person plays an influential role, "and how you set the scene and how you manage your work and life plays a big role."
"For our own good we need to work in balance and it's up to you through word and deed."
He said there's always bound to be negative feelings, but advised people to "refuse to get stuck in the negative ones."
He said people by and large want to do a good job, and it's up to the leaders to nurture that atmosphere both at work and in volunteer situations to make it possible for people to succeed.
He said when he was looking for a retirement home, he checked out many B.C. communities and found none that were perfect.
"We found this community offered what we wanted in affordability, availability and accessibility.
"And what we don't have is up to us to work around," said Waldie., who advised the gathering to find ways to support the services and programs we have to provide balance and continue to work toward the things we still need.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 25 November 2008 )
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