Crossroads Hospice Society will spread the love even further for its annual Treasures of Christmas gala next week.
The Tri-City-based group that runs the Inlet Centre hospice residence in Port Moody and grief support programs will have four Magical Giving trees this year instead of its usual one.
"We know this time of the year is very hard for organizations to raise funds so we really wanted to pay it forward," said event co-ordinator Shelly Pennington. "We've been talking about this for a long time and we're really excited to offer it."
In previous years, the Magical Tree was donated to a family referred by Tri-City Transitions, a non-profit group based in Port Coquitlam that helps women and families impacted by violence and abuse. In 2014, that tree was "bought" for $12,000 — with Crossroads getting the proceeds and the bidder receiving a tax receipt for the full amount.
This year, however, three more Magical Trees will support the kids at Canuck Place Children's Hospice, the Pacific Assistance Dogs Society and the seniors at PoCo's Hawthorne Seniors Care Community.
For the latter, Pennington said a Crossroads volunteer got a list from Hawthorne staff of seniors who are without family this Christmas and are in need of basic supplies such as blankets and personal hygiene items. As a result, those seniors will have a gift wrapped up for them under the Magical Tree.
But for the 400 guests attending Treasures of Christmas next Saturday, there'll also be two special Christmas trees to bid on as part of the silent auction, of which the winners will be able to take home: a wine and chocolate tree and a gourmet tree.
Other auction and raffle items up for grabs include: a five-day all-inclusive Langara fishing lodge trip, an exotic sports car driving experience and a luxury condo getaway in Zhijuantenjo, Mexico.
The gala also includes a Christmas dinner buffet plus music from Forward Motion Big Band, Tyson Venegas (PNE Star Showdown winner) and Dr. Strangelove.
Organizers are hoping to raise $100,000 at The Tri-City News-sponsored fete, which will be emceed by Karen Daniels and Clay St. Thomas of the JRfm 93.7 Morning Crew.
• Tickets for the 22nd annual Treasures of Christmas at the Hard Rock Casino Vancouver (2080 United Blvd., Coquitlam) on Nov. 21 are $125 by calling 604-945-0606 or emailing [email protected] (a table of 10 is $1,250). Doors open at 6 p.m. and complimentary valet parking is included. Visit treasuresofchristmas.ca.
