The United Way of Northern BC has re-invigorated a well-known Prince George holiday celebration – the Tree of Lights will once again be atop the Coast Hotel in downtown Prince George for the 2019 Christmas season.
The 60-foot tree has now been hoisted to the roof of the hotel and decorated with over 100 strings of lights in preparation for the Tree of Lights Kick-Off on Sunday, November 24 from 3-5 p.m. in front of the Coast Prince George Hotel by APA.
“We encourage people to come and enjoy the hot chocolate and cookies provided by the Coast, take a photo with your family on Santa’s sleigh, have fun with some activities provided by some amazing non-profit agencies, and enjoy some Christmas carols,” said Trista Spencer, Interim Executive Director, United Way of Northern BC. “We are so excited to have an opportunity to bring the community together and kick-off the campaign alongside the Festival of Trees and Civic Light Up.”
The team at United Way has a fundraising goal of $25,000 for this year’s campaign, with proceeds going to mental health supports in the Prince George community. Mental health needs continue to rise; whether friends, family, co-workers, or ourselves, everyone is touched by these difficulties in some way. The holiday season can make issues around mental health even more prevalent, amplifying already fragile situations and putting further pressure on already waning resources.
“This kick-off event, generously sponsored by RBC, already has great energy around it. We are so grateful for the great response from the community about the event coming back. We can’t wait to share it with everyone,” said Spencer.
In addition to the festivities, Mr. Mikes has donated $500 in gift cards for the kick-off. The first 50 people who “purchase” a bulb at the November 24 event will receive a $10 gift card for the restaurant.
At the kick-off event, there will be an initial light up of the tree at 3:45 pm then the lights will all be turned off, only be lit up again as donations come in. Light up a bulb for $5 or make a larger donation and turn on as many as you wish! Donations can be made at the United Way of Northern BC office on the fifth floor of the Prince George Native Friendship Centre, at the front desk at The Coast Prince George Hotel by APA, or online at www.unitedwaynbc.ca/uwtreeoflights/.
To find out more information, to become a sponsor, or to donate to this initiative, please contact info@unitedwaynbc.ca or 250-561-1040. Follow the event on Facebook and Instagram @uwtreeoflights.
United Way of Northern BC aims to improve lives by expanding capacity to harness the caring power for people in Northern BC. UWNBC positively affects 1 in 3 people through their impact work in the region; empowering other non-profit agencies, engaging with community partners and multiple levels, advocating the unique needs of the Northern BC region, engaging in the Day of Caring initiatives, and providing funding to other non-profits through their Community Investment & Impact Program.