The Mariposa House Hospice Angel Tree is returning to Mariposa Market on Friday evening.
Each year, residents are asked to make a minimum donation of $10 to place an angel with a personal message on the tree that honours loved ones who have died.
One of the angels on this year’s tree will be dedicated to Brian Barr, a former Mariposa House Hospice board member who died earlier this year.
Mariposa House Hospice co-chair Sue Morris says the tree gives people a "good feeling" during the holidays, a time that can be difficult for many.
"Everybody in the community sees that tree with it being in Mariposa Market," she said. "This tree signifies people who were well loved. That's why they have an angel hung in their memory."
The goal for the Angel Tree campaign this year is to raise more than $20,000.
While the Ministry of Health gives Mariposa House Hospice some funding annually, the organization needs to raise about $1 million per year in order to provide its services free of charge.
As important as it is to raise money, the tree is also an awareness tool for Mariposa House Hospice.
"A lot of people still don't know who we are, what we are, and what valuable services we offer," Morris said. "Every year, people learn that we offer end-of-life care for families at no cost."
Morris thanked Mariposa Market owner Bob Willsey and his staff for hosting the fundraiser again this year.
"He's amazing to let us sell our angels there and raise money for hospice," she said. "It wouldn't be as noticed if it wasn't in Mariposa."
When it comes to scheduling volunteers to sell angels at Mariposa Market this year, Mariposa House Hospice has had no issues.
"The whole schedule filled up in less than two weeks," Morris said. "All dates from Nov. 17 to Dec. 21, four shifts a day, are 100 per cent filled, which is absolutely amazing."
Without the support of volunteers, Morris says, the Angel Tree would not exist and neither would the money that is raised through the campaign.
"We have such a giving and caring community. Everybody has a passion for supporting important things like this," she said.
The Mariposa House Hospice Angel Tree fundraiser begins Friday with opening remarks at 5 p.m. at Mariposa Market.
