Heather Latter
What started out as an idea to spread some Christmas cheer has developed into a project to pass along “warm wishes” all year long.
The student council at St. Francis here, along with several class representatives, initiated the “Tree of Warm Wishes” project in December and now 30 decorated trees are being passed throughout the community—and even as far away as Thunder Bay and Winnipeg.
“It’s all about starting a chain reaction,” explained teacher Colette Fafard, noting that also is the focus of the school’s “Friends of Rachel” club that started up in eight schools across the district after viewing the “Rachel’s Challenge” presentation here last fall.
“Just that something simple can make a difference,” she remarked.
“We’re hoping it will help to spread kindness and brighten someone’s day.”
Fafard said the students made a real connection with the theme and were enthusiastic about the project.
They painted the clay pots and decorated the trees with candy, attaching a card with instructions. Then they gave the tree away.
“We encouraged the students to give them to people other than their family members,” Fafard noted.
“Then the idea is that it will get passed along and at the end of the year, hopefully we will see how many people it got to.”
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.
People can sign their name on the card when they pass it along. Then 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.
“It’s kind of an experiment,” Fafard admitted. “We might not get them all back and that’s okay, but it will be interesting to see how far it goes.”
Already some local businesses and organizations are receiving the “Trees of Warm Wishes,” with Steve Latimer of the United Native Friendship Centre passing one—decorated with Valentines—to the Fort Frances Times last week.
“We were really pleased when we received the tree,” enthused Latimer, who also was instrumental in bringing the “Rachel’s Challenge” presentation to the district.
“Everyone was so excited,” he added. “It’s a different idea, a fresh idea, and it’s something that will take the message out throughout the community.”
“We really wanted that community connection,” stressed Fafard. “These students do good deeds and want to feel part of the community.
“I think this project shows leadership, and I hope it also brings awareness about the good things these kids are doing that people may not think about kids that age.”
When the year-long project ends in November, Fafard said they will look at the impact of the “Tree of Warm Wishes” and hopefully it’s something they will continue to do.
