Rotary Clubs’ Christmas Tree Sale back on
The Rotary Clubs of Oshawa and Oshawa-Parkwood will no longer be hosting their Tree Sale at the Oshawa Centre as the mall has cancelled its Holiday Haven event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Christmas Tree Sale with the Rotary Clubs of Oshawa and Oshawa-Parkwood is back on.
The Rotary Clubs were without a location for their sale after the Oshawa Centre cancelled its outdoor Holiday Haven event due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the Oshawa Centre is allowing the Rotary Clubs to host the sale of Christmas trees in the parking lot near the old Sears store.
“We thank everyone at the Oshawa Centre for the opportunity to sell our trees even though the Holiday Haven outdoor Oshawa Centre event was cancelled,” says Emmy Iheme, past president of the Rotary Club of Oshawa and chair of the 2020 Oshawa Rotary Christmas Tree Sale. “They are helping us help the community at this time of year.”
The tree sale will take place from Dec. 4 to 24, or until the trees are sold out, Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Proceeds from the sale will be used to support the many community service projects of The Rotary Clubs which help those who need it most, especially at this time of year and right in the midst of a pandemic.
“The trees, Balsam and Fraser firs, from Prestonvale Tree Farm, are the best quality and the best prices,” Iheme continues, noting people should not wait too late to buy.
“Since this is our first year selling trees, our supply is limited and we may run out.”
The Rotary Clubs will be outside in the northwest corner of the parking lot near the old Sears store.
Oshawa-Parkwood Rotary President Sue MacKinnon says cash donations and donations of unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items will help the less fortunate during this holiday season.
The Rotary Clubs are looking for students and community volunteers to help with the tree sales. Anyone interested can contact Past President Emmy Iheme at eci878@hotmail.com, or Oshawa-Parkwood Rotary President Sue MacKinnon at susandianenash@gmail.com.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, our local community programs are being utilized much more than ever before, says MacKinnon. “And they are faced with a drop in funds due to the impact of the virus on many of their regular donors. Our two Rotary Clubs in Oshawa are pleased to be able to step up, once again, and help right now.”
COVID-19 has brought new challenges to the Rotary Clubs in Oshawa and all over the world, and they say they are responding with humanitarian service remaining its primary focus.
The main objective of Rotary International is service, in the community and throughout the world. As volunteers, Rotarians build goodwill and peace, provide humanitarian service, and encourage high ethical standards in all vocations.
Rotary invites the public to visit the www.oshawarotary.ca and www.rotaryoshawa-parkwood.org for more information about the two Oshawa Rotary Clubs.