The St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation has already launched one aspect of its Festival of Trees fundraiser, and other components will start soon.
With the name of There’s no Place Like Home Edition, the fundraiser has activities planned for people of all ages. One that is already underway is the Ultimate 50/50 draw, and the winner could take home up to $50,000. The deadline to purchase tickets is Dec. 9.
“So far it has gotten a lot of traction. People are getting really excited, and we’re just looking forward to seeing where that total goes, just because it’s a great fundraiser and it’s a great way for somebody to have a chance to win up to $50,000,” said foundation executive director Breanne Van de Woestyne.
Ticket sales started in mid-October.
The Kid’s Zone will have activities for families, and will be sponsored by the Estevan Mercury. Traditionally the Mercury has sponsored Santa’s Breakfast with the Bruins, a large family gathering on the Sunday of the Festival of Trees weekend that features a family pancake breakfast, kids activities, photos with Santa Claus and interactions with members of the Estevan Bruins.
But this year, there is the Kid’s Zone, which offers something for young people to enjoy this holiday season.
Featuring Night Before Christmas Kits and Santa's Workshop Kits, families will be kept busy as Christmas approaches. Kits will be available at www.sjhf.shop beginning on Nov. 13. Limited quantities are available.
The kits will help with getting kids in the Christmas spirit, and emphasize family.
“Christmas time is all about family, and especially right now, we just really want to be able to promote spending as much time as we can with our families right now,” said Van De Woestyne.
With every purchase of a Kid's Zone kit, a child is entered to win a prize, such as a Zoom Call from the North Pole or a Toy from Santa's Workshop.
“We tried to be creative and work with our different partners, especially the Mercury, to come up with a way to really include families this year in the different ways they can participate from home,” said Van De Woestyne.
Also beginning Nov. 13 will be an online silent auction that will run until Dec. 11. The auction will feature over 30 prizes, including local experiences, family activities, groceries and fuel for a year and more. A full list will be released soon.
Holiday Coffee Breaks offer a chance to treat an office or a small group of friends to a tray of decadent treats and a hot chocolate charcuterie board. This is a new concept and the items will be delivered.
A couple of options are being offered for corporate supporters. One will be holiday office Christmas parties, which are being scheduled now. EB’s will cater a Christmas lunch to the businesses. About 30-35 companies have already signed up.
The other is a Christmas advertising package with the Mercury, Golden West Radio and Future Signs that will see those who support the foundation recognized in various platforms.
Van De Woestyne said they’re trying to work with all of the restrictions in place, while still offering that first kickoff for Christmas for the community that raises money and awareness for the hospital.
“It’s going to be a very busy month for us, but we’re just excited to include everyone that we can and just to have that holiday spirit kicked off for Estevan,” said Van De Woestyne.
Proceeds will be directed towards the foundation’s efforts to support the hospital.
