Tickets are now on sale for this year’s Festival of trees in Red Deer. The annual community fundraiser that transforms Westerner Park into a Christmas wonderland every holiday season, helps raise money for the Red Deer Regional hospital.

A specific department is chosen to receive the funding each year, with the money from 2016’s fundraising efforts to go towards enhancing client care and services in the Medical Specialty Clinic. The Clinic provides services for Central Albertans living with acute and chronic conditions from illnesses such as Multiple Sclerosis, Hepatitis C, Heart Failure and Stroke Prevention among others.

This is phase two of a two phase project at the hospital, with phase one being fully funded by last year’s campaign. In fact, the 2015 campaign raised $1,060,000.00 with the help of 23,000 guests, 2,600 volunteers, 1,500 volunteer entertainers and 500 donors. Phase two will include the addition of a Parkinson’s Clinic, a first for Central Alberta, enhancements to the Inflammatory Bowel Clinic, as well as numerous other upgrades to the existing space.

The Festival itself however features numerous events that the whole family can enjoy, starting with the Preview Dinner on November 23rd. That’s followed up with an Afternoon Appreciation, Festival Business Lunch and Taste of Red Deer November 24th.  The Festival of Wines will take place November 25th, Tis the Season Luncheon, Mistletoe Magic and the Festive 5K Walk/Run on November 26th. November 27th will feature the annual Breakfast with Santa.

Tickets can be purchased directly from the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation located on the main floor of the hospital and can also be found at Sobey’s Gaetz South and on-site at the Festival of Trees at Westerner Park from November 24th to 27th while event tickets are available through Ticketmaster. More information can be found at http://www.reddeerfestivaloftrees.ca/.