Hundreds of fresh trees from B.C., Alberta and Washington State are making their way to the Aunt Leah’s tree lot in Coquitlam this week in time for holiday decorating season.
From elegant Noble and Fraser firs to the airy and beautiful Douglas fir, pine scents will to through the lot that opens Dec. 3 at Eagle Ridge United Church (2813 Glen Dr.)
Volunteers and staff will be in place to help customers choose a tree, cut off the trunk to aid in hydration and assist with carry outs.
“Christmas trees are very specific, and because everyone’s been stuck at home the last 10 months, people will be excited to get their tree. They bring joy for people,” said Angelina Oates, director of training and social enterprise.
This year’s Christmas tree sales are expected to be brisk, with folks expected to show up with family to pick the best tree to grace their home, she said.
But Oates asks people to limit their group to two people and to be patient if there’s a line-up as Aunt Leah’s can only let in about a dozen shoppers at a time even though the lot’s capacity has doubled from previous years.
Still, she expects people to get the same great experience in choosing a tree, even though everyone will have to wear a mask and physically distance.
“We really have to keep up with the safety protocols at the same time as meeting the demand for trees,” Oates said.
To get everything up and running smoothly, Aunt Leah’s has been gradually opening its three tree lots — down from five last year — with the Coquitlam lot opening after successful weekends in Burnaby and Vancouver.
The lot will stay open as long as there are trees for purchase.
Oates, who has been organizing the major fundraiser for nine years, says she is keeping her fingers crossed that everything runs smoothly.
“This fundraiser is so important for us,” she noted. “We want to make sure we give the spirit of trees and fundraise. Our mission is still the same: We want to support kids who have been through a lot, especially during COVID-19, so they can succeed and not become homeless.”
