PLUS: Festival of Trees offers gift- giving ideas
Festival Giftshoppe offers unique holiday items
A small business will be operating within the winter wonderland of the Festival of Trees.
The festival’s boutique is another way for the public to take part in the iconic seasonal event, and another way for the Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation to gather funds for improving the healthcare experience of the region.
“Festival goers know our shop is only open for the 10 days of festival and they come early and often to get their special items for Christmas,” said Carol Worthington, co-chair of the Festival of Trees Giftshoppe along with Colleen Zawislak. “Our patrons know our item numbers are limited so if they see it and like it they should grab it, as once it is gone there will not be any reorders. There are patrons of the shop that have created lasting Christmas traditions of purchasing an ornament every year for their children or family. We are now seeing second generation purchasers with children in strollers talking about visiting the Giftshoppe when they were young with their parents.”
The items for sale were sourced throughout the year on volunteer time. Some volunteers even travel to gift expos as far away as Toronto to find unique and compelling items for the local shoppers who come to the massive event. The inventory arrives usually in September and is stored and or- ganized throughout the lead-up to the Civic Centre extravaganza.
“We have been pricing the merchandise daily for the month of October and we just finished,” said Worthington. “A child can come in with a loonie or a toonie and find a gift for mom or dad while the Gala Auction attendees can find high-end products. We take into consideration the Chamber luncheon, senior teas, red hat ladies and all events to try to offer merchandise which suits all price points.”
This year’s Grinch theme “promises to be colourful and magical,” she added. Some of the items shoppers will find include Canadian art glass, metal sculpture from Van- couver Island, jewelry, gourmet chocolate, Canadian-made specialty doggie treats, artwork, ornaments, and other one-of-a-kind gift items.
The store typically gets between 7,000 and 10,000 visitors per festival and they buy almost every item by the end. The net proceeds are about $30,000 annually, all for hospital equipment and other medical resources needed by the medical professionals of the area.
This year’s Festival of Trees is being set up during this week for the grand opening on Saturday. It runs through to Dec. 2. It is open most days from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is $5 (adults), $3 (students/ seniors) and $10 (family pass).