The annual Special Olympics-Powell River chapter Christmas tree mulch is happening January 5, 2025, from 10 am to 1 pm, at Mother Nature, located at 7050 Duncan Street.
"We have athletes travelling to compete so our fundraising assists with these expenses as well as the year-round costs associated with running our programs," said local Special Olympics coordinator Jackie Milsom. "The money from our fundraising efforts go toward funding expenses so athletes, who are often on a fixed income, can participate in programs and competitions."
The annual tree mulch is one of the organization's main events to raise funds for athletes from the qathet region.
"This has always been a successful event due to the generosity of our community," added Milsom. "People are able to purchase tree tags at Mother Nature by donation and CUPE 798 volunteers will pick up the trees. People can also drop their trees off the day of the mulch."
The organization also has an ongoing bottle drive fundraiser throughout the year.
Milsom said 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 programs are also well attended.
"We have three swimmers competing at the [2025 Special Olympic] Summer Games in Prince George in July," she added. "We have approximately 55 athletes and so we will also be doing a polar plunge fundraiser sometime in the new year as well."
For more information about the tree mulch or Special Olympics BC-Powell River, contact Milsom at 604.414.8266.
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