More than 100 handmade scarves, tuques and mittens are destined to warm the hands and heads of White Rock/South Surrey Food Bank’s smallest clients this Christmas, courtesy seniors who have been knitting “for months” for the cause.
South Surrey’s Jean Roe, who calls Pacifica Resort Retirement Living home, said she and several other women, including some from Crescent United Church, have been making the soft and colourful accessories as part of an annual Christmas project.
They will be added to hampers that are to be distributed by the Salvation Army, Roe said.
Until then, the mittens are gracing a Christmas tree at Pacifica, while a growing collection of tuques and scarves line a nearby mantle.
The mitten tree is one of more than a dozen festively decorated firs on display as part of Pacifica’s second annual Festival of Trees.
Open for public perusal until the new year, the festival is a fundraiser for Surrey Public Library’s Read-Ability Services for Seniors.
Each tree has been sponsored and decorated by a local group or organization.
Through Dec. 14, visitors are encouraged to vote for their favourite with a $2 donation. The winning tree will be announced during an open house event that same evening.
Pacifica’s marketing manager, Kellie Besseling said the inaugural Festival of Trees, in 2010, raised about $2,000 for the CKNW Orphan’s Fund. Noting the number of sponsored trees has doubled this year, Besseling said she is optimistic the proceeds will do the same.
The Festive Open House is set for 6-7:30 p.m. Dec. 14, and will include entertainment, appetizers, cookie decorating and wine tasting. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to 604-535-9194 by Dec. 9.
Pacifica is located at 2525 King George Blvd.