It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the Okotoks Recreation Centre as set up begins for the Sheep River Health Trust's seventh annual Avenue of Trees fundraiser.

The trees, entered by local businesses and organizations, are up for silent auction with the top voted trees going to live auction at the Mistletoe Market at the rec centre Dec. 15.

Andrea Mitchell, Executive Director of the Health Trust, says the initiative makes a large impact in the community.

"Avenue of Trees goes into our general funding which last year we did give out about $225,000 back into Okotoks and the Foothills so that money kind of goes into that pot that we give out during the year. Last year we raised about $25,000 from trees so we're looking to do that again."

Mitchell says one of the options is to buy one of trees and donate it back to the health trust where they make sure it goes to a desrving home.

"We find through our community partners families that need a Christmas tree, so either new Canadians or people who just can't make that happen this year. Last year we had 17 trees go back into the community and it's a great opportunity for us to give back, not only to our community partners but those who need it. It is a wonderful day that we deliver the trees."

Trees for the Fan Favorite Award are voted on by "liking" photos on the Sheep River Health Trust's Facebook page.

Online bidding goes live Nov. 16.

Trees will be fully ready for viewing at the Okotoks Rec Centre on Fri. Nov. 16.

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