The Festival of Trees is celebrating their 25th year this year, thanks to the efforts of the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation and our generous community. We have two weeks left to support this wonderful event and raise funds for a crew of fantastic kids.
The Bay Centre and The Fairmont Empress Hotel have hosted a total of 85 spectacular trees for this year’s festival over the course of the past month with plans to keep the trees brightly lit until January 3rd. With two weeks to go, there’s still time to take in the stories, the gorgeous decorations and the beautiful representation of our city coming together.
Voting is easy – there are voting stations scattered around the trees or you can text a particular tree number to 45678. For example, our Victoria Buzz tree is #26, so if you’d like to vote for ours, you would text “TREE026” to the number 45678 and follow the three-step prompting for your vote to be complete.
Donating is even easier; send your tree number to 45678 and follow the three-step prompting. Can’t decide on a favourite tree, but would like to donate? Text “TREE” to the number to initiate donation instructions.
A woman full of heart, Rashida Malik of Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty has offered to match donations to the festival this year.
“As a young girl, my grandfather always told me that children are rare pearls and diamonds, our most precious gifts. Following his example, and as a mother and grandmother, it is important for me to ensure that the future of our local children is built on a foundation of health and happiness. As a realtor with Royal Lepage Coast Capital Realty, I am thrilled to be able to give back to the sickest children in our community. As the sponsor for the Festival of Trees Victoria Text-To-Donate, I will match all donation texts, to a maximum of $5,600, with all proceeds to BC Children’s Hospital. I encourage everyone who can to text the word TREE to 45678 and make a $5 donation.” – Rashida Malik
To make a downtown day complete, take a stroll around the harbour area and check out The Hotel Grand Pacific’s The Bear Wear event, #13 from our Christmas Season Things to Do Article. After seeing the cuddly bears, swing by Nourish Kitchen & Cafe, located at 225 Quebec St for festive holiday drinks & baked goods or a beautiful sit-down meal and then on to #7 from our list, The National Gingerbread House Showcase at The Inn at Laurel Point located at 680 Montreal St.
There’s so much joy happening in Victoria this season as our city celebrates together!
