Dozens of decorated Christmas Trees for the 27th annual Christmas Tree Festival. (Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Christmas Tree Festival auction on Wednesday raising money for hospital renovations

Nov 18, 2019 | 12:18 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Why spend countless hours decorating your own tree when you can have a beautiful pre-made one that also supports upgrades to local healthcare?

The Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation is putting on its 27th annual Christmas Tree Festival this week, which will see dozens of trees sold to the highest bidder.

This past weekend, Executive Director Jason VandenHoek says they had 120 people decorate the Christmas trees in the Western Canadian Bank Lounge at the ENMAX Centre.

“The trees this year, I think, are probably the most beautiful we’ve seen in a really long time. They’re always beautiful but they’re exceptional this year. I have no doubt we’ll have some high numbers here, I couldn’t speculate which ones it’s gonna be, but I think we’re in for a really good auction.”

The trees were decorated by several local businesses and non-profits, ranging widely in terms of their theme, colour scheme, and decorations.

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: December 16-22, 2024

Dec 17, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: December 9-15, 2024

Dec 10, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this week: December 2-8, 2024

Dec 02, 2024

Some feature more traditional decorations, while one is a multi-levelled Christmas village.

A Christmas village-themed tree. (Lethbridge News Now)

Another, shown in the middle of the image below, had 1,600 ribbons with the wishes of local students.

Christmas trees for the Christmas Tree Festival. (Lethbridge News Now)

“Lots of these trees will find their new home in the community, different community organizations, schools, that sort of thing. It’s kind of an event that keeps on giving – it raises some much-needed funds for the hospital, but it also benefits the community as a whole and that’s pretty awesome.”

Money raised at the auction will go towards renovations to the mental health area of the hospital to ensure it is as comfortable and welcoming for their patients as possible.

In the past, VandenHoek says some of the trees have sold for as much as $5,000. Last year’s event raised $165,000 in total.

The auction is nearly sold out but there are still a few seats left.

It takes place on Wednesday, November 20th at 6:30 pm. Tickets are $80 each.

Since the trees are intricately decorated and rather large, a moving company will bring your new tree to your home and set it up.

Even if you do not plan on attending the gala or making a bid on any of the trees, the public is invited to view all of them at the Western Canadian Bank Lounge prior to the event.

Christmas trees for the Christmas Tree Festival. (Lethbridge News Now)

Christmas trees for the Christmas Tree Festival. (Lethbridge News Now)

Christmas trees for the Christmas Tree Festival. (Lethbridge News Now)

Christmas trees for the Christmas Tree Festival. (Lethbridge News Now)