GUELPH – The Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington kicked off 2026 with its annual Trees for Tots community fundraiser on Jan. 10, raising more than $90,000 by picking up Christmas trees from throughout Guelph, Puslinch and Rockwood.
The initiative involves over 230 volunteers and 24 sponsors and partners helping to raise funds to support the growing need the Children’s Foundation has seen through its programs.
“Our community is facing tough times, and with the cost of living continuing to increase, families are left making difficult decisions about what their pay cheques cover each month,” stated Children’s Foundation executive director Karyn Kirkwood in a press release.
“Events like Trees for Tots are important fundraisers in our community and help us provide opportunities to children and youth who are facing obstacles.”
She added, “For example, with every seven trees that register at the minimum suggested amount of $15, we can send a child to a session of swimming lessons through our Free to Grow program, which helps them to build essential and potentially life-saving skills.”
Money raised isn’t the only thing that helps build a stronger community – the collected trees are returned to nature through different naturalization projects.
Mulch created from the chipped trees, donated to the Arboretum and the Ignatius Jesuit Centre this year, is used for walking trails, lining creek beds and other projects.
Additionally, over 175 whole trees were donated to Freshwater Conservation Canada once again to continue supporting the creek restoration work at Marden Park.
Volunteers unloaded and chipped trees at Ignatius Jesuit Centre on Jan. 10. Submitted photo
This year’s Trees for Tots event was presented by Elevate Law Group.
Principal lawyer Ajay Sharma said the initiative “holds special meaning for our family as parents of a five-year-old.
“We believe in leading by example – instilling in our daughter the importance of giving back and supporting the community we are fortunate to be part of.”
Sharma added Trees for Tots plays “a vital role in creating a positive, lasting impact for children in our community.”
In addition to the support from Elevate Law, this event would not be possible without the support of volunteers, sponsors and partners, who donate their time, services and dollars, officials say.
Lead partners JL’s Tree Service and Hersey Bins have provided “essential” services to the Trees for Tots event since 2017, officials noted.
