Beloved Festival of Trees Fundraiser Kickstarts the Holiday Season with Great Joy and Shatters Live Tree Auction Record!
For Immediate Release • November 27, 2023
[Fort McMurray, Alberta, November 27, 2023] – The 34th annual Festival of Trees Presented by Syncrude (Operated by Suncor), supported by an incredible community of sponsors and powered by the dedication of over 225 volunteers, ushered in the holiday season with unparalleled enthusiasm. This extraordinary event, attended by over 9,000 joyful guests, achieved a remarkable milestone by raising $770,000 (net) for regional healthcare initiatives while spreading the spirit of the season far and wide.
The three-day festival was a heartwarming celebration of holiday cheer, offering an array of engaging events and activities for all ages. Attendees danced the night away at the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party presented by CEDA , were enthralled by the elegant Festival of Trees Gala presented by Syncrude (operated by Suncor), enjoyed festive Christmas Family Fun with Santa presented by Pembina, and delighted in the magical Daddy Daughter Sugar Plum Fairy Ball presented by APE Maintenance. The Winter Wonderland, generously sponsored by Canadian Natural, enchanted visitors with its beautifully decorated trees and captivating local entertainment, creating cherished memories for everyone.
Santa’s Workshop presented by Bouchier buzzed with activity as hundreds of families visited the Teddy Bear Workshop, engaged in cookie decorating, and participated in various craft stations. This year marked a milestone as the workshop area witnessed its busiest year yet bringing smiles and laughter to countless children’s faces. Community Concerts presented by Inter Pipeline also achieved record attendance as visitors revelled in fantastic entertainers, dancers, and storytellers. Special appearances by Buddy the Elf, as well as Santa and Mrs. Claus, added an extra sprinkle of magic to the event.
Vanessa MacNevin, Executive Director of the Health Foundation, extended her heartfelt appreciation to the sponsors, donors, ticket purchasers, silent and live auction contributors, guests, and the extraordinary volunteers who transformed the festival into a resounding success. She emphasized that the Festival of Trees not only unites the community but also underscores its unwavering commitment to supporting health and wellness projects in the Wood Buffalo region.
MacNevin stated, “This year’s festival showcased an exquisite display of trees and packages, with spirited bidding that warmed our hearts. One standout moment was the Finning Tree, setting a new benchmark for charitable contributions with its sale price of $200,000, made possible by the generous contributions of Birch Mountain Enterprises LP, Aluma SAFWAY, Tuccaro, and Syncrude (operated by Suncor). We also extend our heartfelt thanks to ATB, our Santa’s Elves Volunteers Sponsor, for their invaluable support.” In addition to the generous sponsorships, the outstanding volunteer support, organized by FuseSocial, was a pillar of the festival’s success. Volunteers, the backbone of the community, devoted countless hours to make this event a triumphant celebration of giving and unity.
Greg Fuhr, Chair of the Health Foundation, shared his reflections on the festival’s outstanding succes, saying, “A palpable sense of joy and wonder illuminated every face. Many attendees, both newcomers and returning guests, expressed feeling inspired by coming together for a cause that deeply impacts our region.”
To learn more about the Festival of Trees and its impactful contributions to regional healthcare, please visit GivetoNLHF.ca
About the Northern Lights Health Foundation
Established in 1985, the Northern Lights Health Foundation exists to provide funds to support health care priorities within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. The Health Foundation is proudly accredited under Imagine Canada’s Standards Program.
For more information, visit northernlightshealthfoundation.ca
For more information, please contact:
Vanessa MacNevin
Executive Director
Northern Lights Health Foundation
Tel: 780-791-6178
Cell: 780-715-5881
Email: vanessa.macnevin@ahs.ca
Festival Magic is in the Air!
For Immediate Release • September 6, 2023
Fort McMurray, Alberta. The Northern Lights Health Foundation is delighted to announce Festival of Trees Presented by Syncrude (Operated by Suncor), will be held November 17 to 19 at the Suncor Leisure Centre at MacDonald Island Park! We’ve got a great line up of seasonal festivities brought to you by dedicated sponsors including a full weekend of entertainment presented by Fort McKay First Nation, Fort McKay Group of Companies LP and Birch Mountain Enterprises LP. Here is a sneak peak of the events and what’s new for 2023.
Kicking the 3-day Festival weekend off is the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party presented by CEDA on Friday November 17––opening with hometown favorite Mychela and welcoming a fabulous new headline band – Uptown Entertainment. This 8-piece band will rock your Santa socks right off! Tickets are $85 and the party starts at 8:00 pm.
Bring the family down to Santa’s Workshop presented by Bouchier for an array of kids’ activities including the Teddy Bear Hospital presented by Bouchier, seasonal and Indigenous crafts, hat and stocking decorating, fishpond, and of course a visit and photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Open Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Activity passports are $20 each.
Spend time enjoying the beautifully decorated trees, shop the silent auction, and watch local choirs, dancers, and musicians perform on the big stage. All this and much more is happening in Winter Wonderland presented by Canadian Natural on Saturday and Sunday starting at 10 a.m. (variable closing schedule for additional events). Entry by donation.
The Festival of Trees Gala presented by Syncrude, Operated by Suncor, is the glowing heart of the Festival weekend. Prepared to be dazzled by the live tree auction featuring 35 trees generously created and gifted by local businesses to raise funds in a highly competitive auction. This is an event like no other – classy, sassy, and a little bit badassy, with energy, excitement, and elegance. Uptown Entertainment and Danny Hooper are bringing their A Game – don’t miss out. Tickets are $200 and doors open at 6 p.m.
And the wildly popular Daddy Daughter Sugar Plum Fairy Ball presented by APE Maintenance closes off the Festival weekend on Sunday, November 19. This fairy-tale fantasy event is the perfect setting for dancing, crafts, and socializing in the winter wonderland setting. Photobooths, ballerinas, and a rocking DJ make this sweet event one to remember. Tickets are $75/couple (dad/daughter) and additional daughter tickets are $15 each.
Greg Fuhr, Chair of the Health Foundation’s Board of Directors, says, “Festival of Trees is a magical time for everyone and truly ushers in the holiday season. With events for children, families, and adults there is something for everyone all in a fabulously decorated venue. And, with all the funds raised going to local healthcare initiatives this event is a powerful way for our entire community to be engaged in fundraising.
“Festival is a great big present chock full of entertainment, trees, goodies, and fun,” says Vanessa MacNevin, Health Foundation Executive Director. “Ticket sales for the Ugly Christmas Sweater Party, Festival Gala, and Daddy Daughter Ball start tomorrow, Wednesday September 6. Tickets are very limited for these extremely popular events.”
Sponsorship opportunities for Festival of Trees are now available. The Health Foundation is seeking monetary sponsors, tree sponsors to create and submit decorated trees for auction, gifts of silent and live auction items and gifts of services to help put on the events. Generous sponsor recognition and ticket packages are available.
Over the past 33 years, the Festival of Trees has raised over $10million (net after all expenses) for local healthcare, with over 35,000 volunteer hours invested by thousands of community members. We are excited to welcome back returning Festival committee team leads and are seeking additional volunteers to help shape and support the weekend.
The 2023 Festival of Trees Sponsorship and Tree Contributor Guide are available at GivetoNLHF.ca
About the Northern Lights Health Foundation
Established in 1985, the Northern Lights Health Foundation exists to provide funds to support health care priorities within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. The Health Foundation is proudly accredited under Imagine Canada’s Standards Program.
For more information, visit northernlightshealthfoundation.ca
For more information, please contact:
Vanessa MacNevin
Executive Director
Northern Lights Health Foundation
Tel: 780-791-6178
Cell: 780-715-5881
Email: vanessa.macnevin@ahs.ca
