Festival of Trees coming soon to Nanaimo

Festival of Trees coming soon to Nanaimo

One of the "biggest, most exciting Yuletide events" of the season is coming soon to Nanaimo.

The 11th annual Festival of Trees takes place from November 25 to December 10 at Malaspina University-College’s Nanaimo campus.

"The Festival of Trees is a major fundraiser for the Malaspina University-College Foundation, and a wonderful tradition in Nanaimo," said Festival Chair George Hrabowych. "The Festival is truly a community event because it brings together Malaspina staff and students, businesses and individuals to celebrate the holiday season."

This year's Festival of Trees has an international theme and includes activities for people of all ages. Highlights will include a dazzling display of Christmas lights, decorations, and trees – many of which will be raffled off at the Festival.

Popular events are back again this year, including the Gala Dinner/Dance, Casino and Auction (Nov. 25) and the Festival Lunch (Dec. 9). "Both the Gala and Festival Lunch usually sell out quickly so I encourage people to purchase tickets early," said Hrabowych.

New this year is the Festival Soiree (Dec. 1), an after-work cocktail party at the Nanaimo campus where co-workers, friends and acquaintances can mix and mingle in a fun, festive setting.

The Festival Family Days will be held over two consecutive Saturdays (Nov. 26 and Dec. 3), and activities include face painting, arts and crafts, entertainment, Santa photos, a Teddy Bear clinic and more.

Three days have been reserved as Public Days (Nov. 27, Dec. 4 and Dec. 10) where seniors and other community members are invited to visit the Festival, enjoy music and refreshments, and view the beautiful display of lights, trees and decorations. Admission to Family Days and Public Days is by donation.

Susie Caswell, Events Manager for the Malaspina Foundation, said students are once again playing a central role in this year’s Festival. For example, student chefs from Malaspina’s Culinary Arts department will prepare the Gala buffet dinner, Festival Lunch and appetizers for the Soiree. Students in Hospitality Management will coordinate service during the Festival, while many other student volunteers will help out during Family Days and Public Days.

"The Festival of Trees celebration is a major undertaking at the Nanaimo campus, and wouldn’t be possible without support from Malaspina staff and students, our 17-member Festival steering committee, dozens of other community volunteers, and especially our sponsors," Caswell said.

"Many local businesses have generously donated cash and gifts-in-kind to help make the Festival a success, or have agreed to sponsor specific activities," she added. Canadian Tire, the Festival of Trees Presenting Sponsor, donated $10,000 worth of Christmas lights light up the campus, matching their donation from last year.

Caswell said Festival organizers will gratefully accept more prize donations from individuals or businesses for live and silent auction items. "We're also looking for a few more sponsors for large six-foot Christmas trees ($1,000) or small four-foot trees ($500)," she said. "Half the funds will go towards student scholarships, bursaries and awards, and the rest covers the cost of the tree and decorations. It’s a great way to promote your business and support Malaspina students at the same time." Sponsors receive special recognition during the Festival, she added.

Festival volunteer coordinator Melina Chow is recruiting volunteers to help with various tasks, from hanging Christmas lights, to decorating trees, to helping with children’s activities.

Last year, the Festival of Trees attracted an estimated 14,000 visitors. Caswell said in the past 10 years, the Festival has raised more than $350,000 to support local students at Malaspina University-College with computers, science equipment, musical instruments and tools for trades training. This year, all proceeds go towards student scholarships, awards and bursaries.

Watch for further details about the Festival of Trees in the weeks ahead. For more information, or to volunteer, sponsor a Christmas tree or donate prizes, call Caswell at 740-6216.