“Happy” Sings for The Salvation Army
Avalon Mall and VOCM Cares Foundation Announces Concert
(September 30th) The Avalon Mall and the VOCM Cares Foundation have announced the HAPPY TREE CONCERT in aid of The Salvation Army’s 2010 Christmas Toy and Food Hamper Program in the city of St. John’s.
The VOCM Cares Foundation hosts two local concerts at the St. John’s Arts and Culture Centre in support of the Happy Tree. All proceeds from the concerts are used to purchase gifts that may have not been donated through other means. All cash donations are used to the same purpose. This years concerts are scheduled for December 13th and 14th, 2010. Tickets go on sale September 30, 2010 at the Arts and Culture Centre.
Major Wade Budgell, Public Relations Director says, “The Salvation Army links heart and hand with the VOCM Cares Foundation and the greater community to ensure that hundreds of children have that Special Something to open on Christmas morning.”
“The Salvation Army Community and Family Services values the relationship with VOCM Cares Foundation, The Avalon Mall and all the other partners in the city of St. John’s who contribute to the success of the Christmas effort.”, says Major Donette Percy, Community and Family Services Director for the city of St. John’s.
The Salvation Army in St. John’s distributed over 1,800 Toy Bags last Christmas and anticipates this number to increase for Christmas 2010.
Happy Tree
The Avalon Mall/VOCM Happy Tree is celebrating over 40 years of helping the community at Christmas time. The Salvation Army and the Avalon Mall partner with the VOCM Cares Foundation to collect and distribute toys for needy children aged infant to 18 years. A “Happy” Tree is set up at centre court in the Avalon Mall for approximately one month leading up to Christmas. Mall shoppers can leave their gifts (unwrapped preferably) in a large collection bin located next to the tree.
“Happy” has become quite popular with the children and in most recent years, a local volunteer steps inside the ‘happy tree’ and speaks to the children at different times throughout the day.
Many local groups and businesses also hold toy drives and/or cash donations for the Happy Tree. These items are picked up by a VOCM Cares staff member and delivered to the Salvation Army for sorting and packaging.
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