The power of holiday magic was recognized at the Meeting Professionals International (MPI), Atlantic Chapter Gala on Wednesday evening. The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s 24th annual Compass Group Canada Festival of Trees, which took place on November 21st and 22nd, 2015 at the WTCC Halifax, received the MPI Atlantic Event of the Year Award.
For many in Halifax, Festival of Trees is the unofficial kick-off to the holiday season. A tribute to the classic holiday book and film, The Polar Express, the 2015 Festival of Trees highlighted the innocence of Christmas from a child’s perspective to create a hopeful and festive atmosphere for the Shannex Holiday Luncheon and the RBC Black Tie Gala. “Believe” was a key theme for both events.
The Foundation also launched a new partnership with Brigadoon Village at the 2015 Black Tie Gala. “Camp BELIEVE” will send children whose families are impacted by mental illness to a one-week camp this summer to connect with other children experiencing similar challenges, and supportive resources.
Over the last 24 years, Festival of Trees has raised over five million dollars.
MPI Atlantic Board President, Roberta Dexter congratulated Festival of Trees on its continued success, referring to it as a legacy event for Nova Scotia.
“There are many exceptional events in Atlantic Canada every year,” says Starr Dobson, Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia President & CEO. “We feel privileged and honoured to receive recognition from this respected group of experts in the field. Thank you to all of our attendees, volunteers, and Festival friends for believing in the power and magic of our annual signature event.”
The 2015 Festival of Trees was made possible by hundreds of dedicated volunteers, sponsors, and partners. From the business teams who decorate and donate trees for the Forest of Trees, to the RCMP Veterans Association volunteer ‘Table Hosts,’ the power of community is very apparent when attending this event.
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia would like to extend gratitude to its Festival Event Sponsors: Compass Group Canada, Shannex, and RBC; Media Sponsor, CTV; Branding Sponsor, Revolve; A/V Sponsor, Sound Systems Plus; and its 2015 committee members led by Miriam Regan (Luncheon), Liza MacDonald (Gala), Graham Langill (Sales) and Penny Sears (Tear-Down).
The 25th annual Compass Group Canada Festival of Trees will take place at the WTCC Halifax on November 25th and 26th, 2016. Tickets are available now at mentalhealthns.ca
About the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
The Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia is a registered charity dedicated to improving the lives of Nova Scotians living with mental illness and their loved ones. The Foundation raises funds for vital programs and services that help make this possible, province-wide.
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Contact:
Jennifer Lewandowski, Communications Lead
Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia
T: 902.464.3210
E: jennifer.lewandowski@nshealth.ca