Reducing expenses, condensing some activity space and eliminating three events helped Festival of Trees raise $1.06 million for Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre.
Not bad during a struggling economy. In 2014, the annual event pulled in $1.07 million.
“Not only were we able to raise the same amount of money, but we did it with less events,” said Alaine Martin, project officer with Red Deer Regional Health Foundation, on Wednesday.
Money raised by the 22nd annual festival, that ran Nov. 25 to 29 at Stockmen’s Pavilion and Prairie Pavilion at Westerner Park, will go to medical specialty clinics at the hospital for Central Albertans living with the following chronic conditions — multiple sclerosis, hepatitis C, heart failure, anticoagulation therapies, specialized geriatric services, stroke prevention and complex medical conditions.
Martin said Central Albertans consistently support the festival because the money raised goes towards local health care.
“It’s the cause. Health care is the No. 1 charity that people typically look for because each and everyone of us needs it at some point in our life. And to be able to keep the donor dollars in our community, that can’t be said for every charity out there. Every dollar raised stays right here in our hospital.”
Over the years the festival has raised a total of $12.8 million for Red Deer hospital.
This year Candy Cane Lane, with all its children’s activities, games and crafts, was moved back into the Stockmen’s Pavilion which was one of the ways costs were reduced.
She said parents with children performing on stage actually appreciated having Candy Cane Lane back in the same room as the entertainment stage. Shifting Santa’s Gift Shop and Santa’s Secret Shoppe within the room also made it feel new again.
More than 23,000 visitors took in the festival and events so an increase in general attendance made up for less events, she said.
Fewer people tend to come out to the festival during harsh winter weather which is what happened in 2014.
“We got a little bit of snow at the beginning of the week, but otherwise mother nature was very kind to us this year.”
The 2015 festival had over 1,500 volunteer entertainers, the support of 500 donors, and 2,600 festival volunteers who really make the festival a reality each year, she said.
“Our volunteers worked so hard. The sacrifices they make. The time they give.”
Martin said planning has already started for the 2016 festival that will run Nov. 23 to 27.