Organizers of BC Special Olympics-Powell River are holding its annual Christmas tree mulching fundraiser again this year.
Jackie Milsom is a Special Olympics local coordinator. She explained that this year’s donations will help Powell River athletes participate in the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Vancouver. “We’ve been really lucky to be supported by the community throughout the year,” said Milsom. “It’s lots of training and an important year for us to keep up with our fundraising.”
The games are held every four years and this is the first time in 20 years the games will have been held in BC.
The tree mulch is one of the volunteer-led organization’s main fundraisers. It takes place from 10 am to 1 pm Sunday, January 5 in the parking lot at Mother Nature on Duncan Street.
Powell River residents have two options to deal with tree disposal this season. Trees can either be picked up at the curb or they can be dropped off at the mulching area where coffee, hot chocolate and holiday baking treats will be on hand.
Volunteers from CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees) Local 798 will drive around Powell River’s neighbourhoods for morning pickup and are asking trees to be placed curbside before 8 am on Sunday, January 5, with tags attached.
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.
Special Olympics-Powell River has seven sports programs throughout the year, including bowling, swimming, golf and curling—events that require facilities.
“It all adds up and costs money,” said Milsom. “Our program fees are considerable throughout the year to just provide the local programming for athletes, let alone paying for athletes going out of town.”
She added that while there is a nominal fee for the athletes to participate in the sports, many are on a fixed income, so the organization tries to keep costs to a minimum.
She sees the weekly programming as important because it gives people, who might not otherwise be able to participate in sports, an opportunity to exercise and socialize. “Our athletes really depend on that outlet,” she said. “There are so many good things.”
