Getting a fresh Christmas tree and later enjoying its twinkling lights can help “Light Up a Life” for Northumberland Hills Hospital (NHH).
The NHH Foundation is partnering once again with Sharron Wharram-Spry and Brian Spry, owners of the Spry Family Christmas Tree Farm in Cobourg, for the 10th annual holiday fundraiser for the west Northumberland hospital — which will also be the final year the Sprys will host the event.
Community members are invited to hunt for their perfect tree and take part in the other festivities on Saturday, December 7 at the farm, located at 8329 Danforth Rd., which is just east of Burnham Street in Cobourg. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and most trees are $80, apart from fir trees, which are $120.
Megan Fluxgold, NHH Foundation’s community engagement and events specialist, said the “Spry Family Christmas” event has raised more than $170,000 for the hospital to date.
“The best possible outcome for us would be to have as many members of the community as possible come out, and support (NHH) at this much-loved event,” Fluxgold told kawarthaNOW.
“After 10 amazing years, Brian and Sharron have let us know this will be their final year hosting this incredible event which has become a well-loved tradition for most families. Since its inception in 2015, Spry Family Christmas at the Spry Family Christmas tree farm has raised over $174,000, which is absolutely incredible.”
“We are incredibly grateful to the Spry family, and we hope the community can come out, grab a beautiful tree, take a photo with Santa, and enjoy some goodies all while supporting our local hospital,” Fluxgold added.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will on hand to pose for photos with attendees and their will be chili, hot dogs, hot chocolate, coffee and treats available to enjoy around a warm bonfire. People who don’t need a tree are still welcome to attend the event, organizers noted.
Sponsors for this year’s event are Baker Tilly, Wharram Tree Service Ltd., Craft Food House, Ley Wealth Management, Neil Ganson – RBC Wealth Management, and Davey Tree Service.
All of the money raised from the December 7th event will be directed to the NHH Foundation’s 2024 Light Up a Life campaign to help fund the purchase of a hematology analyzer for the hospital’s laboratory.
Last year’s event generated $29,677 for the foundation’s campaign, with more than 144 trees sold and 100 per cent of the proceeds donated to the cause, the NHH Foundation noted. Money is raised through tree sales and by sponsors.
First introduced in 1994, the Light Up a Life campaign has generated more than $3.7 million over the years. It has helped pay for various pieces of equipment such as surgical scopes, anaesthetic machines, hospital beds, and NHH’s MRI machine.
For more information or to inquire about sponsoring the Christmas tree farm event in the future, reach out to Fluxgold through email at mfluxgold@nhh.ca or by calling 905-372-6811 ext. 3068.
