Trees will be chipped and money raised for a good cause on Sunday, January 9 at the annual Christmas Tree Mulch in the parking lot below Mother Nature.
Having done their duty over the holidays, bare and drying trees can either be brought to the parking lot below Mother Nature from 10 am to 1 pm to be disposed of or can be left curbside for pickup that morning. Either service is done by donation, with all the proceeds going toward BC Special Olympics-Powell River athletes.
Trees for pickup need to have a tree tag and be out on the curb by 8 am. Tree tags are by donation and can be purchased at 7-Eleven, Mother Nature, Safeway, Save-On-Foods, Quality Foods and Mitchell Brothers. If the tree is not picked up by 11 am, people are asked to call Mother Nature to let the organizers know.
There are about 70 Special Olympics athletes in the Powell River region, some of whom will be competing in curling and floor hockey in February at the Special Olympics British Columbia Winter Sport Championships.
“It’s exciting,” said Jackie Milsom, Special Olympics local coordinator, “but all that costs more. So all the money goes toward their programming all year long as well as any trips like that.”
Hot chocolate and coffee will be served at the tree mulch, which usually turns into a bit of a social event along with being an important fundraiser. Athletes and volunteers will be on hand, including members of CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees) Local 798 who will be running the chipper and collecting the trees. Anyone who cares to stick around for a warm drink and a chat is more than welcome.
More volunteers are needed for Special Olympics and organizers are looking for more people to join the board of directors and help on an organization level. Anyone interested in lending a hand can contact Volunteer Powell River at 604.485.2132.
Any donation over $20 is eligible for a tax receipt. When purchasing a tree tag an address must be left in order to receive a receipt.
