Money trees
Organizers of an annual charity fundraiser for persons with disabilities are updating the format of an annual campaign in the hopes of raising more money.
Tarra Tipton, coordinator of inclusion Powell River’s 19th annual Festival of Trees, said the format is being adjusted with fewer events to make it easier for the public to attend.
In previous years organizers have hosted a charity dinner and silent auction, but this year their focus is on raising money through raffling off decorated Christmas trees.
Each tree is being dressed up by one local business to have a value of at least $500. Two thousand tickets are being sold for each of the seven trees. In the seven days preceding December 22, ticket holders will have the chance to win the trees. The trees can be seen at Aaron Service and Supply, BMO, Canadian Tire, Capone’s Cellar, Mitchell Brothers, Relay Rentals, Texada Merchants and Peak Publishing. The winning ticket for the first tree will be drawn on Monday, December 15.
Tipton said inclusion Powell River’s only fundraising goal is to make more money than it did last year. She added that since 2010 the amount of money raised by the annual festival has steadily decreased.
All funds raised by the festival go to the organization’s wish fund which is used to help pay for special medical, dental or equipment needs for inclusion clients. It also helps some clients to be reunited with family members. “It supports all kinds of needs whether it’s medical or just fun activities,” said Tipton. It will also help with the training of self-advocates, adults becoming more independent who need more support, she said. She estimates the festival raised about $5,000 last year.
Wreaths are being donated by local crafters and once again, elementary school students will be involved with decorating some of the trees and wreaths. Tipton said wreaths can be donated until Sunday, November 30.
The children’s trees and wreaths will be on display for silent auction at Town Centre Mall next to Suzanne’s, from December 1 to 22. The lighting of the children’s trees will happen at 6:30 pm on Monday, December 1.
“It’s really the only event that we’re putting on this year,” said Tipton.
For more information or to donate a wreath, readers can contact Tipton at 604.485.6411 ext. 230 or by email [email protected].
Off-road vehicles
A registration system for off-road vehicles aimed at improving backcountry safety will launch Monday, November 17.
The provincial government created the system to improve safety by ensuring vehicles are operated in a safe and environmentally sensitive manner.
It will also help combat theft, said Steve Thomson, minister of forests, lands and natural resource operations, in a media release.
Off-road vehicle owners obtain a one-time registration, that is integrated with Insurance Corporation of BC (ICBC)’s motor vehicle registry, at any ICBC broker in the province. The combined cost of the number plate and registration fee is $48.
The registration system is voluntary for operation on Crown land until it becomes mandatory on June 1, 2015.
