‘Tis the season of giving, and Barrhead is known as the community who does just that, and during the Fifth Annual Barrhead Festival of Trees local charities were supported by businesses and individuals in the community.
Although the turn out was not as large as last year, the outcome was nearly the same.
Over $32,600 was raised, which is only $400 shy of the total raised the previous year.
“We were down a little bit from last year,” Deb Schembri, member of the Barrhead Gala Committee, said about the turn out for the event.
“I don’t think it really made a big difference as to the outcome, I think it was still very successful,” she added. “Every year it gets bigger and bigger.”
Local charities such as the Barrhead Animal Rescue Society (BARS), the Barrhead Agrena Society, Children’s World Daycare, several FCSS programs, the Ripple Connection, and the Tree of Hope, were some of the charities suggested for donations.
“It just shows the generosity of the people in this town and their willingness to dig deep,” Schembri said. “The donations that we had this year were phenomenal.”
The Peoples’ Choice Awards first place went to Northplex, who donated a tree decorated in blues and silvers, and came with a present a little too large to fit beneath the branches.
The company donated a realistic playhouse, which was insulated, had cupboards, and even hardwood floors inside.
“Northplex did come in, in a really big way, and I was so awed by that,” Schembri said, adding that businesses always come together and donate for the event.
Some companies get into the true spirit of the event, and even hold a small competition.
Barrhead Machine and Welding put their skills to the test, with the welders taking on the machinists, seeing who can build the most elaborate piece that sells for the most.
“It is just another way to show that people are really getting into it, and using it as a way to give back to the community,” Schembri said.
This year the machinists won the title, selling their tree for $2,200.
Rita Lyster purchased the Northplex tree and playhouse for $9,250, which was donated to the Barrhead Agrena Society in support of the pool.
The second place people’s choice awards tree was Rita’s Apothecary, which was sold for $1,200, with the donation made to the pool.
Third place people’s choice awards went to Polished Dental Hygiene Clinic, and Pembina Message Therapy who donated a tree decorated with gift certificates for services including messages and teeth whitening sessions.
The tree sold for $500, with the donation being made to BARS.
Overall the donations to the Barrhead Agrena Society total over $18,650, which was donated for the Aquatic Centre Project.
Barrhead FCSS received $8,748 in donations, which went to the various programs provided by the centre.
Dinner was served prior to the event, with catering by Sugar and Spice.
With all of the trees auctioned the stage was turned over to comedian and entertainer, Paul Sveen, who filled the room with laughter from beginning to end.
“Barrhead is a very giving community,” Schembri said, adding that it seems as though people are beginning to wait for this event to do their donating.
The Friday before the gala, Nov. 28, and Saturday morning, the gymnasium of Barrhead Elementary School was set up in a very different way.
Vendors filled the room, with homemade crafts for sale during the Barrhead Christmas Market, which featured many local creators.
Some of the items for sale included homemade Christmas ornaments, baby blankets, and much more.
The market was also an opportunity for attendants to vote on their favourite tree, which was then used to determine the People’s Choice for the auction at the gala.
The event is pulled together by the Barrhead Chamber of Commerce Gala Committee, who are pleased to see it grow a little more each year.
