The Trees for Tots fundraiser had another successful year.
The fundraiser, now in its second year, was taken over by The Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington after the City of Guelph removed it from their budget due to cost-cutting measures.
Despite the poor winter weather, 129 volunteers collected around 2,000 trees throughout the 95 routes in Guelph, using trucks donated by over nine donors, and donations amounting to $21,000.
The donations will be used to provide financial assistance for children to participate in activities to help enrich their personal development, in programs like Sports, cultural and recreational activities.
“In 2013, the budget for the program was able to be raised by $25,000 to assist over 1,000 children, and $21,000 of that was purely from Trees for Tots,” said Kristen Drexler, events manage, for The Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington.
“We’re hoping to help more local children in 2014, because we know the need keeps growing,” she added. The community was asked to donate a minimum of $5 per tree removal. The average donation was between $15 and $20 and some even donated $100.
In addition to tree donations, local businesses showed their support, for example, Scotiabank donated $5,000, Guelph and District Home Builders Association donated $1,000, and the Downtown Guelph Business Association donated $250.
The 2,000 trees were picked up curbside on Jan. 11, and chipped by Terry’s Tree Removal, Fred E. Prior & Sons, and Sloot construction. The woodchips created will be used for landscaping projects over the next year.
The Children’s Foundation spread the word of the need for donations and volunteers through social media, word of mouth, and distributing 4,000 postcards to local tree farms and nurseries.
“The activities we fund are not only fun and provide a lot of health benefits, they help children build self-confidence, teamwork and leadership skills,” said Glenna Banda, executive director, of The Children’s Foundation of Guelph and Wellington.
Due to poor weather conditions many trees were missed during the first collection. Jamie’s Lawn Care and Porta Plus will be helping The Children’s Foundation with a second collection, which will take place the weekend of Jan. 18.
For information of how to get involved next year, contact Kristen Drexler at Kristen@childrensfoundation.org.
