Although twinkling lights have dimmed and holiday ornaments are on their way to storage, the Christmas tree can still have one last hurrah at the annual Charity Christmas Tree Mulch.
Organized by Special Olympics BC-Powell River, the yearly post-holiday mulch helps raise funds for local athletes in addition to keeping Christmas trees from the garbage dump.
“It’s a nice way to end the Christmas season,” said program coordinator Dan Vincent. “We limb them down and throw them in the chipper. You could say it makes a big noise.”
This year the event is raising funds to add a new youth program to the organization’s roster, which already includes aquatics, bocci, bowling, curling, floor hockey and golf.
“We’d like to start this program in January,” said Vincent, “because right now we typically cater to over 16-year-olds and adults.”
The introductory, 12-week sports program, known as FUNdamentals, is for children with intellectual disabilities aged seven through 11. Vincent said the program allows children to learn and practice sporting skills.
The aim of the program is to eventually transition children into community or traditional Special Olympics programs, where Vincent said athletes might have opportunities to take their skills to regional, provincial or even national fields of competition.
“It all starts locally, but is much more,” he said, mentioning that five curlers and three floor hockey players are heading to the 2016 Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, this March.
The Charity Christmas Tree Mulch takes place on Sunday, January 10. Multiple options are available for how and where to dispose of trees.
City of Powell River residents interested in curb-side tree pickup can purchase by-donation tags at several locations, including city hall. Tagged trees placed curb-side within the city by 8 am Sunday will be picked up by CUPE 798 volunteers.
Those interested in mulching can bring undecorated Christmas trees to Mother Nature on Duncan Street between 10 am and 1 pm Sunday.
“We are grateful for all the donations,” said Vincent. “Some donate $5, some donate $20; people are very generous in giving
what they can.”
For more information on the charity mulch or FUNdamentals program, contact Vincent at 604.223.0278.
