It’s time to spread some holiday cheer – in the best way possible!
The BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Festival of Trees is officially back for its 29th year at The Bay Centre, and in an unprecedented time where a little extra light is needed, the annual event is a welcome beacon of hope.
In total, 51 local businesses and organizations have stepped up during a difficult year to have their decorated Christmas trees displayed throughout the Bay Centre, in a magnificent showing of holiday spirit.
Raising funds for the B.C. Children’s Hospital
Each one of these trees hopes to win the coveted “People’s Choice” Award, and this is where YOU can help! All you have to do is cast your vote for your favourite tree with a donation to the B.C. Children’s Hospital.
Donating is easy, safe and virtual. Simply text a particular tree number to 45678. For example, our Victoria Buzz tree is #49, so if you’d like to vote for ours, you would text “TREE049” to the number 45678 to make a $5 donation to BCCHF and vote for our tree.
You can also donate to the Victoria Buzz fundraising page in direct support of BCCHF.
This year, the trees are scattered throughout the Bay Centre in a way that avoids crowding and flows with the directional way finding signs aimed to keep everyone safe.
New this year, funds raised through the Festival support mental health programs at BC Children’s Hospital.
Did you know that 70 per cent of mental health issues begin in childhood?
In British Columbia more than 84,000 children and youth are affected by mental health and only 30 per cent are receiving the specialized care they need. Today’s COVID-19 pandemic is expected to result in increased mental health challenges for kids.
During these exceptionally difficult times, even more children across the province may struggle with mental health challenges and BC Children’s Hospital is here to support them.
The Festival of Trees officially kicked off November 19th and will run until January 5th, 2021.
Festival of Trees 2020
- When: November 19th – January 5th, 2021 – regular shopping hours
- Where: The Bay Centre, 1150 Douglas Street
- Admission: Free – vote by donation!
