Gifting Little Trees of Light to The Community

During the 2020 holiday season, amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, the two best friends began making wooden Christmas trees one of the finishing touch of some holiday lights. They sold the trees locally and made more than $4,000, which they donated back to two charities: The Lighthouse for Grieving Children, and Ian Anderson House, both of which are in their local Oakville neighbourhood.

The idea for the trees and the charitable donations sparked when they began receiving messages from people online who wanted to purchase the trees they had made. They each sought to pick a charity. Alison, who lost her father to cancer, chose Ian Anderson House after her father spent his final days at the local hospice, and Allison chose Lighthouse for Grieving Children because of her passion for kids.

The pair began making the wooden trees in Alison’s garage, using her father’s tools. She shared that it helped her feel close to him and honour his memory with every tree she created.

“Alison chose Ian Anderson House as her Dad spent his final days there,” Ide explained. “The staff made her Dad and her entire family as comfortable as they could be during a very difficult time. For her, it was the best possible care they could have asked for and she is passionate about Ian Anderson House and their important role in our community.”

After seeing so much success in their first year, the duo decided to do it again, striving to make more trees and donate even more back to their community. By mid-November, they had sold close to 900 trees and raised $20,000, with the proceeds going towards those same two charities that hold a close place in their hearts.