There's nothing like the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation Festival of Trees to get everyone in the holiday mood. The Civic Centre is transformed into a winter wonderland for the 18th time.
During the 10-day event there will be a Santa brunch, fashion show, seniors' teas, the Teddy Bear breakfast and the Jingle Bell dance.
"We are very excited to be presenting the 18th Annual Festival of Trees - a major fundraiser for the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation," said fund development officer, Debie Hamilton.
"We engage more than 500 volunteers to bring this annual event together and are thrilled with the level of corporate sponsorship and involvement we have received this year. Once again we have the Northland Dodge Family Brunch, the Scotiabank Seniors Teas and of course, the beloved TD Canada Trust Teddy Bear Breakfast. Our Gift Shoppe and Children's Workshop are destinations for all, with treasures to tempt and delight and bring smiles to everyone's face."
People are welcome to browse through the displays, enter raffles, bid on silent auction items or browse through the gift shop for that one-of-a-kind item for that hard to buy for person on everyone's list.
The Festival of Trees is a fundraiser for the Spirit of the North with all proceeds going to healthcare in the region and at UHNBC.
Here are some of the events:
Gala Auction Friday, Nov. 18
Doors open at 5 p.m. for viewing and cocktails. Dinner is at 7. Live auction begins at 8 p.m. and there is also a silent auction of trees and special items. The Gala Auction is the highlight of the Festival of Trees and a major fundraiser for the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation. Tickets are $125 per person.
Santa Brunch Sunday, Nov. 20
10 a.m. to noon with public opening noon to 6 p.m.
Family brunch with Santa is an opportunity to help out the Salvation Army food bank and receive a stuffed toy from Santa.
Red Hat Ladies Luncheon Monday, November 21
11:30 am to 1:30 p.m. and the festival is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
This is a special event to celebrate the Red Hat Ladies Society, inviting members from across Northern British Columbia.
Sponsor Appreciation Evening Monday, Nov. 21
5 to 7 p.m.
This is a cocktail party to recognize and thank the sponsors with an opportunity to view the Festival of Trees.
Chamber Luncheon Among the Trees Tuesday, Nov. 22
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and festival is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Business persons' lunch organized by the P.G. Chamber of Commerce.
Fashion Show Tuesday, Nov. 22
7 to 10 p.m.
This annual fashion show is a wonderful evening of fun, fashion and laughter.
Seniors' Tea No. 1 Thursday, Nov. 24
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and open to public opening from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Tea, coffee and baked goods, with live entertainment.
Seniors' Tea No. 2 Friday, Nov. 25
1:30 to 3:30 p.m. and open to public opening from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Tea, coffee and baked goods, with live entertainment.
Jingle Bell Dance Friday, Nov. 25
7:30 p.m. and public opening 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This is a fun and festive night out featuring live local musicians.
Teddy Bear Breakfast Sunday, Nov. 27
8:30 to 11 a.m. and open to the public from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Special breakfast for families with young children. Can be customized to fit your corporate needs and include a special guest from North Pole. Children are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for a child that will be spending the holidays in hospital, and in turn, will receive a gift from Santa.
For more information visit spiritofthenorth.ca.
