Salvation Army fundraiser brightens up P.G.

Santa made his first appearance in Prince George this year in dramatic fashion Wednesday evening to kick off the 25th annual Tree of Lights campaign.

Jolly Old St. Nick rappelled down from the roof of the Coast Inn of the North to attend the launch party for the Salvation Army fundraiser.

"For 25 years we've been lighting up Coast Inn of the North as a symbolic way of changing people's live and lighting up people's lives in the community," Salvation Army captain Neil Wilkinson said.

In honour of the silver anniversary, the charitable organization has set an lofty target for this year's Tree of Lights event - $50,000.

"It's quite an ambitious goal but we're very confident that we'll meet it because this community just has a huge spirit and a huge heart," Wilkinson said.

Coast Inn sales manager Klaus Ofner said the hotel is honoured to play a big role in the Tree of Lights again this year and hopes Santa's participation in the launch will bring new awareness to the event. In addition to hosting the tree, on which people can donate $5 to sponsor a bulb, the Coast Inn has added a luncheon at noon on Dec. 7 to raise money for the cause. Partnering with Save-on Foods, the luncheon will feature an extensive menu ranging from roast beef to salmon to suckling pig.

"The menu's so extensive, it's more like dinner at lunch," Ofner said. "It's quite a special occasion."

Tickets, which require a minimum $20 donation, are on sale at the font desk.

The money raised from the Tree of Lights helps supplement the funds raised through the Salvation Army's kettle campaign, currently underway. Wilkinson said more volunteers are still needed to ensure the success of that fundraiser.

The Salvation Army is also running its Adopt-a-Family program this holiday season and is looking for people willing to sponsor families.

"It's a really wonderful way for individuals or organizations to really make a huge impact and difference of the lives of those in the community," Wilkinson said. "It's a more of a personal way to donate."

The Salvation Army generally helps out about 800 families each year, about 200 through the Adopt-a-Family program and the rest through the money brought in through its other events.

Anyone who wants to volunteer on the kettle campaign or adopt a family should call 250-564-4000.