Hundreds of people enjoyed The Festival of Trees at the Davedi Club in North Bay on Thursday and Friday, and at the same time raised $14,500.
The festival included both live and silent auctions allowing participants to bid on their favourite beautifully decorated trees, wreaths and other holiday novelties. Local businesses and organizations sponsored and decorated the 25 trees and wreaths with traditional ornaments, gift certificates and toys, adding to the value and uniqueness of each tree.
Proceeds from the festival will assist with the purchase of a dental x-ray machine for the OR at the North Bay Regional Health Centre and benefit the *PADDLE program.
“Many patients with high level special needs have to travel to larger centres to receive basic dental care because they require full sedation or anesthesia, even for a routine exam and hygiene,” said Dr. Melissa Dent, Head of Dentistry Service, NBRHC and Partner, North Bay Family Dentistry. “Having this service available close to home will remove this burden for many families.”
“Our community’s support for the Festival of Trees is another opportunity for families to participate in a fun event and support two worthy causes,” said Tammy Morison, President and CEO of the NBRHC Foundation. “Special thanks to our Festival partners at PADDLE, and to our sponsors, festival attendees, and tree bidders for helping make this event such a success. Thank you also for having an impact on the experience of people in PADDLE and hospital care for our loved ones.”
“This event surely symbolized the magic of Christmas! How heartwarming to see so many people come together for such a great cause,” said Megan Johnston, PADDLE Program Coordinator. “The PADDLE program was very pleased and excited to be a part of this festival, along with our partners at NBRHC.”
