The 9th annual Smithers Festival of Trees is coming up fast.
Glacier Toyota in Smithers is once again hosting the event that will run from Dec. 2 to 9.
The festival transforms the dealership’s showroom into a winter wonderland filled with Christmas trees that have been donated by local businesses and organizations. People can bid on the trees, and other items, up for auction.
The fundraising event has raised more than $230,000 for Bulkley Valley Salvation Army and the Northwest Child Development Centre (NWCDC) over the past eight years.
This year the Salvation Army has experienced some changes and is unable to participate in the Festival of Trees, with the hope of returning next year.
The Northwest Child Development Centre’s team said the funds raised this season will help increase their accessibility resources for children and youth, as well as program enhancements at the regional centre in Smithers. This centre supports various group activities, including playgroups, life skills and parenting supports for children, youth and their families.
“We’re so grateful to our community and the support that the community provides to our organization, and that ongoing support and recognition of the important work that the Child Development Center provides for our communities in the northwest,” said NWCDC executive director Kerri Bassett. “It makes a big difference to our service delivery to have these fundraising initiatives continue on every year.”
She added that while they are funded by the provincial government, those funds don’t support all of their needs when they are delivering services.
The NWCDC has its head office in Smithers but offers services from Atlin to Fort St James.
A full list of events happening during the festival can be found on the Smithers Festival of Trees website.
A link to bid can be found here.
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