Ottawans give back while finding their Christmas trees at annual charity tree sales

Ottawans headed out to tree farms this weekend to find the perfect Christmas tree while also embracing the spirit of giving. CTV’s Natalie van Rooy reports.

Tree farms around Ottawa are pairing with local charity initiatives to support organizations in the community, a project that’s resonating with those getting ready for the holiday season.

The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre’s Volunteer Association kicked off their annual tree sale on Saturday, with proceeds supporting treatment at facility.

“It could be stuff for cognitive development or any other kind of mental health programing that the funding is not normally available for through a government source,” Joe Holubowich, a volunteer with the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre told CTV News.

It’s a cause that resonates deeply with Guy Warick, who has been getting his tree through the initiative for twenty years.

“I think all of us know somebody or have somebody in their family who’s been affected by mental health,” said Warick. “My mom certainly had that burden when she was alive and it’s a great way to support the hospital.”

The public jumped in to help unload a thousand fresh trees for the sale, all different shapes and sizes.

“We were a little bit late having the trees arrive, several hours late,” said Holubowich. “We have a lot of the general public that have decided to just chip in and help out and get us going so we can start selling our trees today.”

“We try to get here the first weekend, there’s been years where it sells out in the first weekend,” said Jennifer Cavanagh, who was on the hunt for a tree.

The Gloucester Lions Club held its annual tree sale, with all proceeds heading towards a number of charity initiatives.

“It’s been our main fundraiser, basically for over 50 years,” said John Barrett of the Gloucester Lions Club. “All the money goes to charity and we’re all volunteers.”

Barrett says they are hoping to sell out the entire batch in time for the holiday season.

The Gloucester Lions Club tree sale runs daily at the Peter Knippel Garden Centre at 4590 Bank Street and at 1875-1877 Innes Road.

The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre’s tree sale runs on weekends from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. and weekdays from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. at 1145 Carling Avenue.

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