Oh, Christmas Tree!
Image
Community gathers to bring Vaughan’s 40-foot tree to life
Vaughan citizens were rockin’ around the Christmas tree tonight! The community gathered in the courtyard at Vaughan City Hall to light up a 40-foot tree – the tallest to be lit in the City’s history. The annual event brings more than just holiday cheer to families in Vaughan and beyond, it is also a reminder of the true meaning behind the season – to give back.
Every year, the City of Vaughan lights its annual Christmas tree for families, friends and neighbours to rejoice in the magic of the holidays together. The family-friendly celebration included: festive music with live entertainment and a children’s choir; meet-and-greets with Santa Claus and a snow princess; interactive activities such as face painting, ball hockey motion game and a photobooth; winter crafts and letters to Santa; and complimentary treats and refreshments.
In the spirit of giving, the event also saw a large donation to the City’s 10th Annual Toy Drive in support of the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish. Citizens generously donated new, unwrapped toys so that children can receive the gift of Christmas.
With the support from every resident and business in the community, the City is one step closer to fulfilling its goal of collecting 15,000 toys for this year’s Toy Drive. For people looking to get involved, Vaughan City Hall will be accepting toy and monetary donations until Monday, Dec. 9 at 5 p.m.
QUOTE
“Tonight, our community came together to bring the City of Vaughan’s Christmas tree to life. This annual ceremony has become a joyous celebration and ignites the spirit of generosity within us all. The holidays are a special time of year, and events, such as this one, offer residents and visitors an opportunity to experience togetherness while appreciating our community’s unique diversity. However, the lighting of the tree is more than just a festive tradition. It serves as a symbol of the hope, love and compassion that thrives within our city. This is why Vaughan’s Toy Drive is an important part of this event – to ensure the miracle of Christmas finds its way to people in our community and beyond. I am grateful to every individual, business and school that has already donated and I encourage people still looking to contribute to donate a toy. Together, we can ensure every child gets to smile at Christmas.”
- Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua
QUICK FACTS
About the tree:
- The City of Vaughan’s Christmas tree lighting tradition began in 2011.
- The tree stands at 40 feet tall, has a total of 35,000 LED lights that have been strung onto the branches, and weighs a total of 5,500 pounds.
- A 300-ton crane was required to lift the tree into the City Hall courtyard from the main driveway.
- The City of Vaughan Christmas tree will remain on display in the courtyard at Vaughan City Hall until Jan. 7, 2020.
About the toy drive:
- The City of Vaughan’s Annual 2019 Toy Drive launched at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Elementary School on Nov. 18, in support of the CP24 CHUM Christmas Wish.
- Since 2011, more than 85,000 toys have been donated to The Wish.
- Donations of new, unwrapped toys for children, aged newborn to 18 years old, are being accepted until Monday, Dec. 9, 2019 at 5 p.m. at Vaughan City Hall.
LEARN MORE
- The City of Vaughan’s 2019 Annual Toy Drive webpage
- Vaughan’s 2019 Annual Toy Drive launch news release
- The City of Vaughan’s events webpage
- Vaughan’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony invitation (PDF)
-30-