About
We've been kicking off the holiday season for 39 years (since 1986!) becoming a family favourite in Saskatoon and a seasonal tradition for so many.
Purpose
Our purpose is to engage the community in an event that celebrates the holiday season through special events, attractions and decorated displays while raising funds to support our beneficiary, Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation.
Revenue is generated through general admission, the sale of decorated displays, gingerbread cookies, special events, raffles and most importantly - sponsorship.
Revenue is generated through general admission, the sale of decorated displays, gingerbread cookies, special events, raffles and most importantly - sponsorship.
Proceeds
Since becoming a non-profit in 2006, we've donated $1,897,322 to Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation.
It starts here.
For many patients of Saskatoon City Hospital, their journey starts with medical imaging.
In 2023-2024 more than 15,000 people had CT scans at SCH.
CT is an x-ray that spins, taking 3D images. For many patients and conditions, it’s the best way to diagnose illness and determine treatments. The CT helps diagnose cancer, monitors cancer treatments, spots diabetes-related blood vessel disorders, and shows blood flow in patients who’ve had a stroke.
After many years of hard work, the CT is nearing end-of-life. A new CT is essential to avoid cancelling procedures.
Your support of the 2024 Saskatoon Festival of Trees will assure prompt access to imaging, and a leading-edge CT that takes clearer pictures faster with less exposure. This means more safety and comfort for patients, while providing the most accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions.
The need for the latest and safest medical equipment is ongoing. We're committed to help meet this need and invite you to join us.
2023 Proceeds
A grand total of 27,154 people attended the 2023 Saskatoon Festival of Trees. Thanks to the support of our generous sponsors, visitors, volunteers and supporters, proceeds of $109,473 supported our beneficiary, Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation to help replace and upgrade vital anesthetic and monitoring equipment in the operating room. New equipment will not only enhance patient safety, it also will help staff deal with workloads and prevent postponements or cancellations.
For many patients of Saskatoon City Hospital, their journey starts with medical imaging.
In 2023-2024 more than 15,000 people had CT scans at SCH.
CT is an x-ray that spins, taking 3D images. For many patients and conditions, it’s the best way to diagnose illness and determine treatments. The CT helps diagnose cancer, monitors cancer treatments, spots diabetes-related blood vessel disorders, and shows blood flow in patients who’ve had a stroke.
After many years of hard work, the CT is nearing end-of-life. A new CT is essential to avoid cancelling procedures.
Your support of the 2024 Saskatoon Festival of Trees will assure prompt access to imaging, and a leading-edge CT that takes clearer pictures faster with less exposure. This means more safety and comfort for patients, while providing the most accurate diagnoses and treatment decisions.
The need for the latest and safest medical equipment is ongoing. We're committed to help meet this need and invite you to join us.
2023 Proceeds
A grand total of 27,154 people attended the 2023 Saskatoon Festival of Trees. Thanks to the support of our generous sponsors, visitors, volunteers and supporters, proceeds of $109,473 supported our beneficiary, Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation to help replace and upgrade vital anesthetic and monitoring equipment in the operating room. New equipment will not only enhance patient safety, it also will help staff deal with workloads and prevent postponements or cancellations.
Team
We're a non-profit organization led by a volunteer board of directors. A core committee plans year-round while the event itself is powered by up to 250 volunteers.
Guy Paterson, Chair
Ronna Hjertaas, CEO
Mary-Lou Eastman, Vice Chair
Kayla Kobiela, Secretary
Kim Callbeck, Director
Perry Kjargaard, Director
Raylene Kershaw, Operations Manager
Guy Paterson, Chair
Ronna Hjertaas, CEO
Mary-Lou Eastman, Vice Chair
Kayla Kobiela, Secretary
Kim Callbeck, Director
Perry Kjargaard, Director
Raylene Kershaw, Operations Manager
History
The Festival of Trees started in 1986 as a one-day event at the TCUP organized by the Canadian Progress Club – Saskatoon Meewasin. Proceeds were shared amongst the Progress Club, Saskatoon Crisis Nursery and Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation.
- 1987: the Festival became a two-day event hosted at the Delta Bessborough hotel
- 1988 to 1990: the Festival continued to grow and gain popularity
- 1990: Saskatoon City Hospital Foundation organized the Gala Evening & the Progress Club turned over the Festival to the Foundation to run
- 1991: the Festival was named the Saskatoon City Hospital Festival of Trees
Non-Profit
The Festival of Trees developed into a 9-day event. With a strong volunteer committee in place, the decision was made to establish the Festival as its own non-profit. On April 1, 2006 the Festival became the Saskatoon City Hospital Festival of Trees Inc. (later changing its name to the Saskatoon Festival of Trees Inc. on March 11, 2014).
Today we're in our 39th year of operations and still going strong thanks to the support of sponsors, visitors and volunteers.
Today we're in our 39th year of operations and still going strong thanks to the support of sponsors, visitors and volunteers.