Family and Children’s Services Tree of Hope Campaign Begins

Published on: 2018/11/14 - in Releases

The 2018 Tree of Hope Campaign begins November 14th. The 100-year-old annual holiday appeal by Family and Children’s Services of Frontenac, Lennox and Addington is planning to help 900 kids the Children’s Aid Society serves with toys, clothing and more.

“Once again, we’re asking for the community’s help to help the kids and families we serve. Let’s give them the best Holiday Season we can give them. Not just because they deserve it but because it’s the kind of community we are,” said Steve Woodman, Executive Director of Family and Children’s Services.

The Campaign officially begins tonight with a tree lighting at 7:00PM in Kingston at 817 Division Street and continues tomorrow with a tree lighting at 7:00PM at 99 Advance Avenue in Napanee.

The Tree of Hope and its legacy campaigns started shortly after the creation of Family and Children’s Services in Kingston in 1894. Through the years it has evolved into one of the oldest continuous holiday appeals in Southeastern Ontario.

Last year’s Tree of Hope was the most successful ever, supporting more than 850 kids. Nearly half were between the ages of one and eight. A third were outside of Kingston, including more than 100 in Napanee alone. The campaign doubled its $25,000 goal to raise nearly $50,000 – the most ever raised by the Tree of Hope. Thanks to the 2017 campaign Family and Children’s Services was able to double the number of kids it sent to camp this summer.

“We urgently need people to buy gifts and to donate money. Can your family help one of the families we serve this holiday season?” said Woodman.

This year’s Tree of Hope is sponsored by Rapport Credit Union. The campaign will be run by two dozen volunteers and staff. Planning for the campaign started in July.

More information on the Tree of Hope can be found at www.HelpTreeofHope.ca.


Photo: Daniel Go (cc)
Release: Family and Children’s Services of Frontenac, Lennox and Addington