Some really snazzy Christmas Trees are raising money for the Campbell River Museum.
The Festival of Trees is in its 10th year and 27 trees are on display inside the museum at 470 Old Island Highway at 5th Avenue.
In an interview with Vista Radio, Alison Liebel, promotions and membership for the Campbell River Museum, says the event is a major fundraiser for the museum and will bring in roughly $14,000 in tree sponsorship.
“We use that money to support our programs and some of the exhibits that we’re doing. The gallery that the Festival of Trees is in, it’s a changing exhibit so we have travelling exhibits that come and visit but there’s a cost for having them or developing new exhibits,” Liebel explained.
She says they could never have imagined how much the event has grown in a decade.
“We wanted to create a seasonal space that the community could come together that’s warm and cozy and just kind of enjoy the month of December. We could not have imagined how this event has grown and become an annual tradition for so many people,” Liebel said.
While it was quieter during the pandemic years, Liebel has noticed some extra thought and ingenuity that’s been put into the trees this year.
“During the pandemic years, I can see that it was a little quieter in the celebration. But it feels like this rejuvenation to come back to the season and an excitement to come back and gather and that’s what we’ve really noticed this year.”
She says they’re very grateful for the support from the businesses and the community.
The free, family event is on from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. every day except Christmas and Boxing Day until the end of the month (Dec. 31).
The trees were also part of a vote two-week community vote for the people’s choice award and a vote by museum members and volunteers for other awards. Here’s how they fared:
- People’s Choice – Gingerbread House by Avenue for the Home and United Floors
- Gingerbread House also won Most Elegant and Most Whimsical Tree
- Most Sustainable – We Are One: The Hearts and Hands of School District 72 by Campbell River Principals’ & Vice-Principals’ Association (tie)
- Most Sustainable – “Namwiyutola To Become One” by Campbell River Art Gallery’s Art Hive and UPS Store (tie)
