Powell River’s annual Christmas tree mulch will take place from 10 am to 1 pm on Sunday, January 5, at Mother Nature, 7050 Duncan Street, with proceeds supporting Special Olympics Powell River.
“The Christmas tree mulch is one of our biggest fundraising events of the year,” said local Special Olympics coordinator Jackie Milsom. “All the funds raised stay in Powell River to support our athletes in their regular training and to help with travel costs for those who compete out of the city.”
Residents have two options to participate. For a minimum $5 donation, they can bring their tree to the event site for disposal, or they can purchase a tag at any grocery store, 7-Eleven, city hall, or Mother Nature for Sunday morning pickup. Those opting for pickup should have their tree tagged and at the curb by 8 am Sunday.
“Any donation $20 or over will receive a tax receipt,” said Milsom, “provided we have the person’s full address.”
The event is also an opportunity for the community to meet some of the athletes, board members and coaches.
“This is a social event for the athletes and for Powell River,” said Milsom. “We’ll have baking, coffee has been donated by Starbucks, and it’s a chance for people to hear from the athletes about why they love their sport and how Special Olympics makes a difference in their lives.”
The Powell River chapter of Special Olympics formed in 1991, and currently provides six sport programs – aquatics, bocce, bowling, curling, floor hockey and golf – as well as a general fitness program for athletes. Its softball program is on hiatus until a new coach is found.
Some athletes compete at a national level; Powell River’s floor hockey athletes are part of a team based in Comox, and will be attending national games in Thunder Bay, Ontario, in February 2020.
“Many of our athletes are on fixed incomes, which makes fundraising even more important,” said Milsom. “Sport becomes a big part of maintaining a balanced life, both physically and socially, and we do what we can to make sure it continues to happen for them.”
Special Olympics has been hosting the Christmas tree mulch for about 15 years.
“We couldn’t do it without support from members of the Canadian Union of Public Employees 798 and the City of Powell River,” said Milsom. “CUPE members pick up the trees, and the city provides their mulching equipment and volunteers for the event.”
The tree mulch will take place from 10 am to 1 pm on Sunday, January 5, at Mother Nature, 7050 Duncan Street. Pickup tags are now available for purchase at all locations.
For more information about the event or Special Olympics Powell River, contact Milsom at 604.414.8266.
