Need disposal options for that Christmas tree already dropping needles on the floor?
Christmas is just getting underway, but the organizers at Special Olympics BC - Powell River, a program which provides opportunities for those with intellectual disabilities and developmental delays, are preparing for the recycling of the community’s cut Christmas trees. Jackie Milsom, a Special Olympics local coordinator, is helping to organize the annual fundraiser.
It is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year and again in 2015 it has the help of CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees) Local 798 members to pick up trees on this year’s collection date, Sunday, January 4. Trees can also be taken down to Mother Nature’s parking lot that day from 10 am to 1 pm. Hot chocolate and holiday treats will be on hand for those who want to come down for a visit, Milsom said.
Tags for tree pickup can be bought with a donation to Special Olympics from city hall, 7-Eleven, Save-On-Foods, Safeway, Quality Foods, Mitchell Brothers and Mother Nature. Tax receipts will be issued for all donations over $20.
Those who give a little extra to Special Olympics around the holiday season by donating change to the group’s collection boxes might have a little more difficulty locating them this year.
Over the last two holiday seasons, grinches have stolen some of their donation boxes.
“It’s quite disappointing to put so much into fundraising only to have that happen,” said Milsom.
The money raised helps pay for the costs of sending its athletes to provincial and national events, as well as defer some of the cost from those who participate who often live on limited incomes.
“This year we’ve asked the stores to put them in a place that’s not accessible to the public,” she said. They will still be at the same stores around town, just in a more secure location. “But we are a little worried that it might impact the donations.”
She added that the organization is making a point to let people know that the donation boxes are still available, but anyone wanting to donate might have to ask to do so.
“We’re just trying to be cautious and avoid the possibility of them being stolen,” she said.
