MOOSE JAW — In the spirit of the fast approaching Christmas season, two businesses have joined forces to launch a heartwarming new project. Laurie Hysuick, owner of Mitny Refillery, and Kari Hamilton, owner of Hamilton Ag Bookkeeping, are collecting Christmas trees and decorations to donate to families in need to ensure everyone can experience the simple joy of a beautifully decorated tree this Christmas.
The project, Christmas Trees for Families in Need, will help local families by providing a fully decorated tree where children wouldn’t otherwise have a traditional way to celebrate the magic of the season.
Donations are now being accepted and the team hopes to receive all items by Friday, Nov. 15, and families will receive their tree on Monday, Nov. 25.
“This year, to give back to our community, I have decided to embark on a project in conjunction with Hamilton Ag Bookkeeping,” announced Laurie Hysuick, owner of Mitny Refillery in downtown Moose Jaw.
“We are collecting gently used or new artificial Christmas trees and decorations,” she explained. “In turn, these beautifully decorated trees will be donated to families in need.”
Each tree will be decorated by a team of volunteers and decorated in the lobby of the old train station where Mitny Refillery is located — space permitting, of course. Everyone is welcome to volunteer a few hours by calling Hysuick at 306-630-6330.
“As you pull out our Christmas décor this weekend for Christmas in October, please keep this community project in mind,” Hysuick wrote. “If you are planning to update your tree or décor, please consider donating and (helping us) reach our goals this holiday season.”
Once the trees have been received, Hysuick and Hamilton will work with the Moose Jaw Police Service, school administrators, and churches to ensure each tree finds its way to a deserving family.
Hysuick and Hamilton’s goal is to fully decorate and donate at least five artificial trees. So far, the team has received two of the five trees it hopes to attain this fall thanks to a donation by Bre’s Boutique and Hamilton Ag Bookkeeping.
The team’s current wish list includes three additional trees, an assortment of gently used or new tree decorations including ornaments, skirts, toppers, ribbons, and lights, and cash donations are always welcome. All cash donations will be used to purchase additional tree decorations.
In exchange for your donation, businesses will receive recognition on Facebook and through local news media. This also includes a tag displayed on the three with your business logo. Businesses looking to participate can email a logo image to [email protected] or [email protected].
“Thank you in advance for your help in making this a success,” Hysuick said.
If you’re interested in donating to the project, contact Laurie Hysuick at 306-630-6330 or Kari Hamilton at 306-690-7112. If required, you can also arrange to have your donation picked up or dropped off by calling ahead.
Donations are also welcome by stopping by Mitny Refillery at 5 Manitoba Street East during the store’s regular business hours.
