Trees of Joy brings kids to ‘enchanted forest’

Headingley

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This article was published 27/11/2024 (355 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

November 21 isn’t usually the day kids rush to the Christmas tree to open their gifts, but for 10-year-old Pacey and 22 others, it worked like a treat.

Surrounded by family and standing right next to a personalized tree — decorated top to bottom in Pittsburgh Penguins decorations and memorabilia — Pacey’s mouth fell agape with wonder as he ripped open what ended up being cards signed by players from his favourite NHL team. It was his favourite gift that morning, he would go on to say — beside the mini hockey nets.

This was the third year the Manitoban chapter of Make-A-Wish Canada, a national organization dedicated to granting wishes for children with critical illnesses across the country, has hosted its Trees For Joy lighting event at The Gates on Roblin. On that morning (as well as the day before), the youngsters marched into the venue’s banquet hall, followed by their siblings and families, and rushed to get to their trees in what was accurately called ‘the enchanted forest.’ Each tree in the maze of sparkles and tinsel had been decorated just hours before by a large group of corporate sponsors, aided by colleagues and family.

From Taylor Swift — a fan favourite — to Pacey’s own Penguins, each tree was decorated to a T with a specific theme, requested by each participating child. Underneath, of course, are presents, wrapped with care and donated by the same sponsors who decorated.

Once they kids were placed beside their trees, they were given magic wands. With a simple tap, the trees light up and cheers — accompanied by some tears — erupt throughout the room.

This was Pacey’s first time taking part, he said. His family has been involved with Make-A-Wish for the past year, and his wish of visiting theme parks in Florida was granted in May.

“It was really, really good,” Pacey said, of the tree event. Asked about his favourite part, he replied with a solid, “everything.”

He’ll put the mini nets to good use with his mini sticks. The Penguins will always be involved, obviously.

“It’s really fun,” he said, of Make-A-Wish. “And it’s a lot better than what you’d think.”

Pacey wasn’t the only one experiencing everything for the first time, said Make-A-Wish chapter director Nuala Nazarko, who was doing the same.

“It’s been wonderful,” she said. “I think it’s quite a magical celebration … and captures the essence of giving this time of year.”

It’s also quite emotional, she added: “These kids have envisioned what they want … and to see it come to life is quite spectacular.”

The sponsors involved in decorating and buying the presents were very generous, said Nazarko, who also mentioned the Headingley community, which has been providing the space and transportation since there were only seven trees to decorate three years ago.

Following the event, which included a lunch, the trees were collected by the participating wish families and brought home for the kids to enjoy for the rest of the holiday season.

“Every one of you here are here for the right reasons,” said Ray Louie, general manager of The Gates, addressing the crowd.

“At some point today, just take a break, sit back and really bask in what’s here today,” he said. “The warmth, the care, the love.”

This year, Trees of Joy was funded by CN Rail. There are currently 4,000 children in Canada waiting for a wish, which are funded by donations. For more information, visit www.makeawish.ca