Heather Latter
Buoyed by the success of last year’s project, students at St. Francis School here once again will be decorating and dispersing trees into the community as a way to spread “warm wishes” all year long.
Members of the student council, along with several class reps, initiated the “Tree of Warm Wishes” project last December, passing around 30 decorated trees to different businesses and individuals with instructions for them to re-decorate it and pass it along.
“It’s all about starting a chain reaction,” explained teacher Colette Fafard. “Just that something simple can make a difference.
“We’re hoping it will help to spread kindness and brighten someone’s day,” she added.
People were asked to sign their name on the card attached to the tree. The card notes that whoever has a tree in November is asked to return it to St. Francis or contact the school to pick it up.
If some of the trees are not in Fort Frances at that time, the students are hoping the recipient will call or e-mail to let them know the names of the people on the card and where the tree is.
Fafard noted they’ve already heard back from one recipient who currently has a tree at École Ste-Marguerite Bourgeoys in Kenora.
“And they are getting pretty creative with the decorations,” she added.
The school secretary noted they received the tree, decorated with a number of flavoured tea bags tied to the branches, by a local day care group.
“I asked for donations from the staff and purchased $2 gift cards from Tim Hortons that are now tied to its branches with labels attached that say ‘thank you’ in many different languages,” she wrote to staff at St. Francis.
“Our staff has asked that we forward the tree to our local OPP station as a gesture of gratitude for all that they do for our SMB families in keeping everyone safe,” she added.
Fafard was thrilled to receive this response.
“Even if this is the only response we get, it was definitely worth it,” she enthused, though adding they’re hoping to get at least a few of the original 30 trees back.
Those that are returned will be re-decorated by students and sent out into the community, along with a new batch of 30 trees made by this year’s student council and class reps.
“We just want to see how far they will go,” reasoned Fafard, noting it’s an inexpensive way to spread some thoughtfulness in the world.
And she said it was a project the students made a real connection with.
“It’s something we could do outside the school, yet close enough to home for the students to see some of the effects,” she remarked.
The students once again will paint the pots and decorate the new trees before giving them away.
Recipients of the tree are asked to “help St. Francis Student Council start a chain of warm wishes that begins this Christmas season and gets passed on throughout the year.”
“Enjoy the tasty ornaments that decorate this simple tree, then re-decorate it for someone else,” the instruction card reads.
“It can be decorated with trinkets, candy, or paper ornaments with inspirational messages.
“Give the tree for any event or holiday, or to make someone smile ‘just because,’” it adds.
Fafard hopes the project becomes an annual one because it shows leadership and brings awareness about the good things these students are doing—all while helping to brighten someone’s day.
Those who have trees are asked to return them or contact the school at 274-7756.
The new batch of trees will be distributed before Christmas.
