Registration is Now Open for the 5th Annual Children’s Foundation Trees for Tots

It's Trees for Tots time! Trees for Tots is a donation-for-service model which provides residents with the much-needed service of Christmas tree pick-up and helps generate vital funds for our programs that support local children. It is truly a win-win model, bringing together many community partners to achieve the massive undertaking of picking-up close to 3,000 trees from City residents over the span of just a couple of hours.

This undertaking is made possible by the partnership of many loyal supporters and volunteers. This year, we are thrilled to partner with the City of Guelph’s GIS – Information Technology Department who will be managing the intricate mapping system.

Funds raised will support our programs which help build brighter futures for local children and their families struggling to make ends meet. The Adopt-A-Family Program matches donors with families in need to help make Christmas shine a little brighter. This year, over 1,000 families have been referred to the program by social service agencies in Guelph and Wellington. The Food & Friends student nutrition programs bring healthy food to hungry minds, helping students increase their potential for learning by providing healthy food in a safe and convenient environment. The Free to Play Program provides financial assistance so children can take part in recreational sports and arts activities to help build vital social skills and self-esteem. The Scholarship Program allows youth who have overcome adversity the opportunity to continue their education at the post-secondary level.

Trees for Tots also has a great environmental impact in this green-minded city. All of the trees collected are chipped and returned to nature through local naturalization projects at Ignatius Jesuit Centre. Discarded Christmas trees are converted to natural mulch and spread over kilometres of beautiful hiking trails. Whole trees will also be used in a fish re-habitation endeavour within the property’s rivers.

This incredible community event is also made possible by the returning support of Battlefield Equipment, Davey, Dozr, Hersey Bins, Jamie’s Lawncare, Sloot Construction, Premier Equipment Ltd., Sound Gardens Tree Care and Universal Rental Services. A hot lunch for our 150 volunteers is generously provided by Zoup!

Trees for Tots 2017 Christmas tree pick-up is Saturday, January 7. City of Guelph residents can register their trees for a minimum $10 donation here.