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Festival of Trees brings in a record $665,000 for the NLHF

Festival of Trees Syncrude fundraiser

Records were broke this year as the 28th annual Festival of Tress brought in $665,000 for the Northern Lights Health Foundation, which will go towards local health care.

This year 150 sponsors, over 200 volunteers and 8,000 guests came together for the three-day festival in support of the NLHF.

“Totally outstanding!” said Melanie Antoine, chair of the NLHF board of directors.  “That’s how I would sum up the whole Festival of Trees event right from the early planning by the organizing committee to the very last minute of the Sugar Plum Fairy Ball which closed off this year’s events.  The level of commitment from our sponsors, volunteers, and auction and ticket purchasers was exceptional and really speaks to the commitment of our community for supporting health care initiatives in our region.  The Gala Tree Auction raised $454,000 which is a record for 33 trees!”

Over the past 28 years, the Festival of Trees has raised almost $8 million (net after all expenses) for local health care, with over 30,000 volunteer hours invested by thousands of community members.

“We are so pleased to see the level of support from our community. Thousands of children and parents had fun creating gifts at Santa’s Workshop, repaired bears at the Teddy Bear Hospital, shopped in the Christmas Gift Shoppe and visited with Santa. The adults went crazy with the Ugly Christmas Sweaters, bought lots of raffle tickets and were very generous bidders at the live and silent auctions,” said Cindy Amerongen, executive director of the NLHF. “On behalf of the Health Foundation staff, volunteers, and committee members, I offer my sincere thanks to the community for your tremendous support. Together, you showed your deep respect for the medical services and public health initiatives that are the backbone of our community’s health and well-being.”

Weekend long silent auction and raffle winners were contacted at the end at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 19.  Those who have yet to pick up their items may do so today at the Suncor Family Leisure Centre until 9:00 pm or at the Health Foundation’s office located in the Northern Lights Regional Health Centre starting Wednesday, Nov. 22 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.