Season of giving kicks off with annual Tree Lighting in Tillsonburg
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Bring pajamas to Tillsonburg's official Tree Lighting ceremony Sunday night at Avondale United Church on Harvey Street.
No, it's not a sleepover.
The children's pajamas will be collected for the Six Weeks of Hope campaign – PJs for Children – for the women's shelter in Woodstock.
In past years the town's traditional Tree Lighting ceremony has been held at Fountain Square on the south end of town. This year the organizing committee decided to change venues.
“Someone noticed that we have a beautiful big tree outside of Avondale United Church,” said Tamara Bull, member of the organizing committee and Avondale Church, which is located near the Town Centre mall. “So, Avondale is the new location of this year's tree lighting.”
The event is scheduled for Sunday, November 17th, beginning at 5:30 p.m.
“Doors open at 5:30 – people can come in and get warm, enjoy warm drinks and treats beforehand. Carolers will be outside singing, with music playing and a video presentation on the outside wall. The official Tree Lighting ceremony, with the mayor in attendance, kicks off at 7 p.m. Then we will continue with more live entertainment inside till 8:30 p.m.
“Inside, we will have a Coffee House set up for tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cookies and cupcakes.”
Also on site, organizers would like to set up a room of community booths featuring 'alternative' gift giving. Bull said they'd like to see booths manned by Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Helping Hand Food Bank, Salvation Army, Children's Aid, Relay for Life, the TDMH Volunteer Association, the women's shelter, Tillsonburg's Multi-Service Centre, and Upper Deck.
“Our goal is to inspire a season of giving for the town. This should be a great community event to start off our season of giving.”
For example, she said, 'Why not offer a gift of time for Christmas? Just an hour a week can make a big difference in the life of a child, and it costs you nothing but your time.'
There will be a free kids craft area, said Bull, emphasizing FREE, where the children can make a difference this holiday season.
“The idea is that crafts made will be donated back by the children and go to the local nursing homes. It's another way to give back to the community.
“Admission is completely FREE on Sunday and any donations collected will go to the food bank,” Bull summed up. “They are in demand, especially at this time of year.”