November 30, 2006 - 4:00pm
Since the Malaspina University-College Foundation’s Festival of Trees started 12 years ago, there has been one sponsor who has been unfaltering in its support: Canadian Tire.
“I thought - this will go well in the community and it fits the philosophy of Canadian Tire and my desire to get involved in the community,” said Al Abbott, Canadian Tire associate dealer in Nanaimo.
When the Festival of Trees concept was presented to him in 1995 it was an easy sell for Abbott, who has some experience with a similar festival in Winnipeg.
Initially, Canadian Tire’s involvement with the Festival started with free trees and event cleanup by staff members. Now, 12 years later, the Nanaimo Canadian Tire store has donated more than $100,000 in goods and services to the Festival of Trees, and shows no signs of stopping.
“I do it because I know it is the right thing to do, it’s not just about good business,” said Abbott.
“And I’ve really enjoyed it.”
If you haven’t had a chance to see the trees, there’s still time to do so. Festival Family Day is on Dec. 2, noon to 5 p.m., and the Festival Seniors’ Day is Dec. 3, noon to 5 p.m. Admission is by donation.
The Festival wraps up with the Festival Cocktail Party, Dec. 8, from 4 to 7 p.m.
The Festival of Trees attracts more than 3,000 visitors annually to Malaspina’s Nanaimo campus. Funds raised are used for student scholarships, awards and bursaries managed by the Malaspina University-College Foundation.
All Festival of Trees events take place at Malaspina University-College’s Nanaimo Campus, 900 Fifth Street, in Building 300. Parking is free at all Festival of Trees events. For more information call 740-6258.
Tags: In the Community
