The Sheep River Health Trust’s Avenue of Trees is continuing its tradition of brightening the holidays while raising money for a good cause.
Decorated trees will be lighting up the lobby, breakfast room and ballroom at the Best Western Plus Okotoks Inn and Suites until Dec. 17.
Now in its 11th year, Avenue of Trees allows members of the public to not only view trees that have been creatively decorated by local businesses and service groups, but also bid on their favourites to take home.
Proceeds from the bidding will support health and wellness programs and projects for residents of all ages in the Foothills. Since 2012, the holiday initiative has raised more than $100,000 for the Sheep River Health Trust.
A certain number of the trees have been designated as Trees of Hope that will be donated, thanks to the generosity of sponsors, to Okotoks and Foothills County families in need that wouldn’t otherwise have a Christmas tree.
“We have lots of amazing stories of those Christmas trees going to new Canadians or families who have gone through divorce or just don't have a Christmas tree,” said Andrea Mitchell, executive director of the Sheep River Health Trust. “It’s wonderful that it kind of lights up the season for them.”
The trust is also hosting a Breakfast with Santa, set for Saturday, Dec. 9 at the Best Western Plus Okotoks Inn and Suites, and is offering private family photo sessions with Santa.
For more information or to nominate a family or individual to receive a Tree of Hope, visit sheepriverhealthtrust.ca.
