The “Merry & Bright” The 25th Annual Festival of Trees will officially wrap up today at 4:30 p.m.
Now is the chance to order your “12 Days of Christmas” raffle tickets (16 draws will be made today) and bid on the beautifully decorated Christmas items.
The seasonally decorated items including trees, wreaths, swags and accent pieces are artfully arranged at businesses throughout the Battlefords for you to view, in person (listing here) or online, and are available for silent auction, unless indicated otherwise. To place your bids on the decorated items call or text 306-441-4381.
You may follow the 2020 Festival of Trees “Merry & Bright” Christmas tour on BUH Foundation’s website, buhfoundation.com and through BUH Foundation’s Facebook page. Check out the current funds raised as the “Merry and Bright” train tour chugs its way through the Battlefords as funds are raised!
Funds raised from the 2020 Festival of Trees will support the new capital campaign for BUH Foundation, “Diagnostic Detectives: Solving your Health Mysteries.” This campaign will raise funds for new equipment and technology for the lab at BUH. Lab tests and their corresponding results are an integral part of diagnosing patients and providing the proper course of treatment. The dedicated lab team works behind the scenes to provide results quickly and efficiently to help provide the best care possible. The new equipment will capitalize on the knowledge and skills of the lab team and ensure they have the best to provide the best.
The new silver sponsor, Swanson Gryba & Company, Chartered Professional Accountants has been a longtime supporter of Festival of Trees and decided to increase their support level this year to the silver level. Greg Gryba and Garth Swanson, partners and owners said, “We were happy to be able to increase our support of Festival of Trees and felt that the $2,500 donation reflects nicely the importance of the 25th Anniversary of this event. We both believe it is important to support our community and enhancing healthcare at BUH means helping family, friends and neighbours!”
One of the Festival’s new bronze sponsors, Bridges Chevrolet Buick GMC, not only increased their sponsorship from previous years’ sponsorships but also purchased back their decorated tree. Owner/dealer operator Duane Lafreniere said, “We are excited to be part of the 25th Festival of Trees, as we have been a sponsor for the past 19 years, and part of The Battlefords business community that helps support and enhance healthcare at BUH.”
Another new bronze sponsor is Valley Ford Sales and General Manager Todd Heck said, “The well-being of one’s family and friends is of the utmost importance, especially in these times.”
Fisher’s Drug Store is also a bronze sponsor. This pharmacy was established at the start of the century and remains a well-known and respected business throughout The Battlefords and surrounding area. They have been a sponsor of BUH Foundation’s Festival of Trees since the festival started in 1996. McGuire, BUH Foundation’s executive director noted, “Fisher’s Drug Store is committed to providing excellent customer service to their community. Their long-standing commitment to Festival of Trees is an extension of this excellent service, as they recognize healthcare as a priority in The Battlefords.”
McGuire says, “You can follow the 2020 Festival of Trees ‘Merry & Bright’ Christmas train tour on BUH Foundation’s website, buhfoundation.com and through BUH Foundation’s Facebook page. The goal of raising $50,000 will hopefully be met soon as the little train is sitting just on the other side of milestone $40,000 … putting us well on our way to the $50,000 milestone.”
A continuing supporter of Festival of Trees, with their Bronze sponsorship, is SaskTel. They have been a sponsor of BUH Foundation’s Festival of Trees since the festival started in 1996. “The Battlefords is our home and SaskTel supports the local communities we serve. Sponsorships like these are just one of the many ways SaskTel Cares,” shared Terry Gagne, SaskTel Sales Manager - NB. “We’re excited to join with all the other sponsors of BUH Foundation’s Festival of Trees, especially in this challenging time.”
A continuing supporter of Festival of Trees, with their Bronze sponsorship, is Fortress Windows and Doors Ltd. They have been a sponsor of BUH Foundation’s Festival of Tree’s Gala Evening for the past number of years. “Fortress Windows and Doors Ltd. is pleased to continue our support of BUH Foundation’s Festival of Trees with our sponsorship of the “Giving Gala” this year, which is a unique concept of celebrating the Christmas season by raising funds together while staying apart” shared Kevin Driedger, Owner and Manager of Fortress Windows and Doors Ltd., “and we are especially happy to be supportive during this challenging time.”
Battlefords Union Hospital (BUH) Foundation is pleased to announce BATC Community Development Corporation as a Gold Sponsor for the 25th Annual Festival of Trees, with funds being directed to Family Activities. Festival of Trees took place from Nov 16 to Dec 4, 2020 and Family Activities included the 600 “Rudolph Fun Packs” that were handed out over those 3 weeks. These contained many fun activities for kids to do such as cookie decorating, colouring contests and other games. Throughout the three weeks there were numerous videos posted on BUH Foundation’s Facebook with magicians, dancing gingerbread cookies and even Santa Claus himself, all designed to entertain youngsters this time of year.
