It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas.
United Way of Northern BC will be kicking off its fourth annual Tree of Lights campaign this afternoon (Friday) at 3:00, at the Wood Innovation Square on 5th avenue.
This year, United Way’s goal is to raise $85,000 for community service programs in Prince George.
“We are having all sorts of family fun activities, and everything is free,” said Trista Spencer, United Way of Northern BC’s Executive Director.
Some activities include games, crafting, music, prizes, hot chocolate, and the big man himself, Santa Claus, will be present for photos.
This event coincides with Downtown PG’s Plaid Friday celebration, where local businesses are offering special deals and incentives to customers wearing plaid.
Spencer says in the previous years, the money raised from the Tree of Lights has touched as many as 50 different local agencies.
“What we focus on is where the gaps are in the community,” she said. “We support programs like the Phoenix Transition House, YMCA’s youth programming, Intersect, [and the] BC Schizophrenia Society, there is quite an assortment of agencies that we help.”
United Way will be taking donations and selling 50/50 tickets at this afternoon’s kickoff event, you can find out more and donate online here.
As money is raised, the tree on top of the Coast Prince George Hotel will light up, acting as a thermometer tracking the progress towards $85,000.
“This year, one of the things we are trying to focus on is sending a message of what it means to be united,” Spencer added. “Sometimes that means giving what you can. It doesn’t have to be a lot, but when we bring it all together… it creates a very large impact.”
The kickoff event will end at 7:00 tonight.