While decorated Christmas trees are everywhere in Innisfail, three special trees at St. Marguerite Bourgeoys School, Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, and Dairy Queen have a different purpose.
Each location has a tree in the foyer adorned with hanging tags labelled with a gift suggestion and age of recipient. They are all ripe for the picking.
“Innisfailians can go up to the trees, pick a tag, buy the gift listed and bring it back to the tree location,” said Mark Kemball, Dairy Queen owner. “We call our gift program Angels Anonymous and our gifts are due December 19th with every gift dropped off going to the Christmas Bureau. This year, our goal is 200 gifts. As long as I have been running a Dairy Queen, which is 25 years, I have been part of the gift giving.”
Meanwhile, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys School is in its fifth year of gift giving. In St. Marguerite's case the presents go to families within Innisfail that are chosen by the school.
“It is important that we do all we can for the community,” said Kelly Jacobsen, vice-principal. “Our students and teachers all need to remember to give this time of year, and this is one way we are able to do it with the Advent Giving Tree in preparation for the coming of our Saviour.”
Like at Dairy Queen, families and staff can go to the tree, pull a name tag off and then purchase the indicated gift, whether it is clothing, toys or gift cards for the individual or family and bring the gift to the school. During the last week of school the gifts are distributed accordingly, a school official said.
In past years, the school has adopted Innisfail seniors, the Innisfail and District Food Bank, and Christmas Bureau.
In conjunction with St. Marguerite Bourgeoys, Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church also has a gift tree in the foyer, where congregants can also pull a name and buy a gift anonymously.
In addition to the Advent Giving Tree, St. Marguerite Bourgeoys School is holding its annual Advent Concert on Dec. 10. There will be two performances, a matinee at 1:30 p.m. and an evening presentation at 6 p.m. Children of all ages and classes will be performing for proud parents, grandparents and community members.
Members of the community are welcome and can call the school at 403-227-2123 for information.
Mark Kemball
"This year, our goal is 200 gifts. As long as I have been running a Dairy Queen, which is 25 years, I have been part of the gift giving."
