Special Olympics BC-Powell River chapter will be hosting its annual Christmas tree mulch from 10 am to 1 pm on January 7 at Mother Nature on Duncan Street, with proceeds supporting the local organization.
“It is one of our main fundraisers we do every year,” says local Special Olympics coordinator Jackie Milsom. “We currently have approximately 55 athletes to support.”
Residents of the qathet region can drop off their tree for disposal at the parking lot just below Mother Nature (7050 Duncan Street) with a suggested donation of $5. Another option is purchasing a tag before January 7, at 7-Eleven, Top Shelf Feeds or Mother Nature, for curbside pickup.
“Only trees with BC Special Olympics tags will be picked up,” adds Milsom. “Anyone making a donation $20 or over will be issued a tax receipt; they just need to include their address and phone number.
“We try to cover all the expenses so our athletes, who are often on a fixed income, can participate. Our fundraising pays for all costs associated with the weekly programs, which is our main expense.”
Milsom says the programs provide fun physical activity for participants and opportunities for connecting with others in the community. One of the more popular activities is the bowling program; bocci, golf and curling are also well attended programs.
“We’ve [Special Olympics–Powell River chapter] been in operation for many, many years and we provide programs year round to athletes who want to participate in whatever program they choose,” explains Milsom. “The nice thing about our programs is that they provide opportunities for children in elementary school right up to athlete participants who are in their 80s."
At the City of Powell River committee of the whole meeting on December 5, councillors reviewed correspondence from Milsom, who was looking for continued support from the city in collecting trees on January 7.
Milsom, in her correspondence, stated that Special Olympics is back to offering all its programming to the athletes, and with that comes the cost of providing these programs at minimal or no cost, which requires ongoing fundraising, including events such as the Christmas tree mulch.
“We appreciated the support of the City of Powell River in the past,” stated Milsom, “and we look forward to your continued support.”
At the committee of the whole meeting, city deputy corporate officer Jessica Lefort said the motion was that staff support the event and the city promote the date. Council voted unanimously in favour of the motion.
Formed in 1991, the local chapter of Special Olympics provides sports programs for aquatics, bocce, bowling, curling, floor hockey and golf, as well as a general fitness program for athletes.
Tags to indicate curbside tree pickup have been on sale since December 18 and will be available until the end of the day on January 6, according to Milsom. People should have their tree visible on the curb by 8 am in the morning on January 7.
For more information about the tree mulch or Special Olympics BC-Powell River, contact Milsom at 604.414.8266.
Join the Peak's email list for the top headlines right in your inbox Monday to Friday.
