While the United Way Tree of Lights kick off took place on Saturday, the real work began.
The Tree of Lights fundraising effort last seen in 2016 has been resurrected atop the Coast Prince George Hotel and shortly after the tree was lit Saturday, it went dark only to be lit up one bulb at a time by the community's fundraising efforts during this holiday season of giving.
The Christmas wish of the United Way of Northern BC is to raise $25,000 during the Tree of Lights campaign, with all funds raised staying in the north.
The regional United Way is an umbrella organization that supports more than 500 community programs, 120 organizations, 86 Aboriginal communities and five regional districts across the region that encompasses the area from Haida Gwaii to the Alberta border and Quesnel to the Yukon border.
The organizations United Way supports will lift people from poverty, supports children's development through their important early years and works for social inclusion for all members of the community.
"We, as a non-profit ourselves, are always looking for the opportunity to connect with people and community and the Tree of Lights really stood out as an opportunity for us to give back more," Trista Spencer, United Way's interim executive director, said. "As we say on the poster 'help us light the tree this holiday season and bring the light of hope to your community' because we started hearing that and people are looking for that. It's so exciting to bring that back."
The way it works is for a minimum donation of $5 per bulb, children with their allowance, community members, fundraising organizations, small businesses, corporations - everyone is asked to donate what they can to make that Tree of Lights shine bright in the heart of downtown Prince George.
"People really get that sense of magic and investment when they can say I helped light the tree, I lit that bulb," Spencer said. "That's where our hearts lie in the community."
An example of how the United Way of Northern BC responds to the needs in the region, staff recently reached out to the town of Mackenzie, that has taken an economic hit with all the mill shut downs, to see what residents needed the most. Answering the call, the United Way just sent 21 boxes of winter clothing and boots to one of the town's shops that will facilitate the chance for those in need to pick up the cold-weather wear they need for free.
There are several ways to donate to the Tree of Lights fundraising campaign, the most convenient, of course, is online at unitedwaynbc.ca or the United Way of Northern British Columbia's Facebook page, other locations are the Coast's front desk with cash or cheque or at the United Way's office at the Native Friendship Centre at 1600 Third Ave. The tree will be fully lit on Dec. 22 as a show of appreciation to the community for their fundraising efforts.
For more information call 250-561-1040 or email [email protected].
