Christmas Tree Festival 2024
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30th Annual Christmas Tree Festival | A Glowing Success
Earlier this week, the VisitLethbridge.com Arena was transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland, hosting public viewing days and a Gala & Auction — all in the spirit of improving community healthcare.
This year, the Christmas Tree Festival raised more than $181,500, all of which will stay here in southern Alberta, to enhance equipment and care at the Chinook Regional Hospital and surrounding areas.
The four-day festival wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our sponsors and the tireless efforts of our incredible volunteers.
These organizations and individuals put in a lot of work to decorate those beautiful trees, create that mesmerizing and magical atmosphere, as well as host and facilitate our annual Gala & Auction.
We can’t say thank you enough and we can’t wait to see everyone again next year!
This year, the Christmas Tree Festival raised more than $181,500, all of which will stay here in southern Alberta, to enhance equipment and care at the Chinook Regional Hospital and surrounding areas.
The four-day festival wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of our sponsors and the tireless efforts of our incredible volunteers.
These organizations and individuals put in a lot of work to decorate those beautiful trees, create that mesmerizing and magical atmosphere, as well as host and facilitate our annual Gala & Auction.
We can’t say thank you enough and we can’t wait to see everyone again next year!
Presented by:
Norah Hawn's Story:
As we celebrate the 30th Annual Christmas Tree Festival here in Lethbridge,
we honor the legacy of Norah Hawn whose dedication shaped this event into our cherished tradition.
Norah’s journey from the battlefields of WWII to the heart of Lethbridge embodies resilience, compassion, and a profound commitment to community.
Her life story speaks to the power of giving, as she inspired generations to build a brighter future together.
Born in England in 1919, (Helena) Norah Hawn was drawn into service at a young age.
During World War II, she served with the British Army’s Auxiliary Territorial Services (ATS), training as a nurse in a time of urgent need.
She worked with ambulances, joining her team (who lovingly nicknamed her Private Wally) in rescuing those affected by bombings and transporting them to safety. Despite the challenges of the dark nights and navigating the rubble of “bombed-out” homes, Norah’s sense of duty and compassion never wavered.
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(Top Row- Middle: Private Wally pictured with her Auxillary Troop - 1938) (Norah and Bob during the war in London) (Norah and twin sister Sheila)
These early experiences shaped her deeply, igniting a lifelong commitment to helping others - a commitment she would carry with her to Canada.
She worked with ambulances, joining her team (who lovingly nicknamed her Private Wally) in rescuing those affected by bombings and transporting them to safety. Despite the challenges of the dark nights and navigating the rubble of “bombed-out” homes, Norah’s sense of duty and compassion never wavered.
(Top Row- Middle: Private Wally pictured with her Auxillary Troop - 1938) (Norah and Bob during the war in London) (Norah and twin sister Sheila)
These early experiences shaped her deeply, igniting a lifelong commitment to helping others - a commitment she would carry with her to Canada.
After the war, Norah moved to Canada as a War Bride in 1945 with her husband Dr. E.J "Bob' Hawn who she had met during their service.
They moved around for a few years before settling in Lethbridge in 1950.
It was here she found an outlet for her passion for service, dedicating herself to the well-being of her community through countless volunteer efforts.
Her work with “Meals on Wheels” stands out as one of her first contributions.
With her young daughter in tow, she delivered hot meals to those in need, often going beyond the call of duty by checking on their health and well-being.
Catherine who was about seven at the time shared this about her memories of her Mom -
This caring spirit made Norah a beloved figure among the seniors she served, leaving a legacy of warmth and kindness that would endure for years.
Norah was not only dedicated to helping individuals; she was deeply committed to fostering a sense of community.
At St. Augustine’s Church, she led bake sales, organized the annual Christmas Tea for senior citizens, and played an active role in church fundraisers.
These events brought people together, raised vital funds, and filled the air with a sense of joy and connection.
Norah’s dedication extended to other endeavours as well, she was apart the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Lethbridge Symphony Women’s League, Lethbridge Kiwanis and Kinettes, and she also volunteered at the Lethbridge Municipal Hospital by knitting hats and mittens for newborns.
In addition to everything above, Norah was the President of the Regional Hospital Auxiliary Association, serving as Chairwoman and Board Member of the Lethbridge Regional Hospital Board from 1977 to 1992, overseeing the construction of what we know as the Chinook Regional Hospita today.
In acknowledgement of her countless inititaives, she well deservedly was named a Woman of Distinction by the YWCA in 1988.
An avid theatre fan, she volunteered with the Lethbridge Musical Theatre, assisting with costumes and conducting historical research for the organization. Her impact was felt across the community, touching lives in countless ways.
Lethbridge Community College - The Endeavour 1975 (Norah Hawn Interviwed about Meals on Wheels)
It was here she found an outlet for her passion for service, dedicating herself to the well-being of her community through countless volunteer efforts.
Her work with “Meals on Wheels” stands out as one of her first contributions.
With her young daughter in tow, she delivered hot meals to those in need, often going beyond the call of duty by checking on their health and well-being.
Catherine who was about seven at the time shared this about her memories of her Mom -
"We went to the Marquis Hotel and coffee shop where she loaded up the hot meals from their kitchen. I would sit at the lunch counter with a Bismarck donut and hot chocolate until she was ready to go.
We would drive to her assigned recipients and go into their homes where Mom would place the prepared warm food into their oven
and perform a “wellness check”observing their environment and also instructing them on when to turn off their oven so they could enjoy their meal. My face (cheeks) got smooched and pinched a lot by those clients she introduced me to."
This caring spirit made Norah a beloved figure among the seniors she served, leaving a legacy of warmth and kindness that would endure for years.
Norah was not only dedicated to helping individuals; she was deeply committed to fostering a sense of community.
At St. Augustine’s Church, she led bake sales, organized the annual Christmas Tea for senior citizens, and played an active role in church fundraisers.
These events brought people together, raised vital funds, and filled the air with a sense of joy and connection.
Norah’s dedication extended to other endeavours as well, she was apart the Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Lethbridge Symphony Women’s League, Lethbridge Kiwanis and Kinettes, and she also volunteered at the Lethbridge Municipal Hospital by knitting hats and mittens for newborns.
In addition to everything above, Norah was the President of the Regional Hospital Auxiliary Association, serving as Chairwoman and Board Member of the Lethbridge Regional Hospital Board from 1977 to 1992, overseeing the construction of what we know as the Chinook Regional Hospita today.
In acknowledgement of her countless inititaives, she well deservedly was named a Woman of Distinction by the YWCA in 1988.
An avid theatre fan, she volunteered with the Lethbridge Musical Theatre, assisting with costumes and conducting historical research for the organization. Her impact was felt across the community, touching lives in countless ways.
Lethbridge Community College - The Endeavour 1975 (Norah Hawn Interviwed about Meals on Wheels)
For Norah, the Christmas season was a time of both reflection and celebration.
Her family recalls her insistence on attending Midnight Mass at St. Augustine’s, always drawn to the warmth and beauty of the service.
Afterward, she would raise a toast with a glass of Dubonnet while tuning in to the Queen’s address, a small yet cherished tradition. Her famous Christmas pudding, briefly set aflame with sherry, was a highlight of holiday gatherings, bringing loved ones together in festive cheer.
Her love for Christmas was a clear influence on the Christmas Tree Festival as she worked to grow it into a significant fundraiser that first year back in 1994.
From its' beginnings Norah championed this event, rallying support from the community, and encouraging locals to participate as a way to raise money for important medical equipment.
Catherine remembers her mom's tenacity when the festival first got going -
Afterward, she would raise a toast with a glass of Dubonnet while tuning in to the Queen’s address, a small yet cherished tradition. Her famous Christmas pudding, briefly set aflame with sherry, was a highlight of holiday gatherings, bringing loved ones together in festive cheer.
Her love for Christmas was a clear influence on the Christmas Tree Festival as she worked to grow it into a significant fundraiser that first year back in 1994.
From its' beginnings Norah championed this event, rallying support from the community, and encouraging locals to participate as a way to raise money for important medical equipment.
Catherine remembers her mom's tenacity when the festival first got going -
"My Mom never shied away from any challenges the committee faced with preparing and getting business folks on board to show off their creative Christmas themes. She always knew that each year would be very fruitful with monetary success."
Her vision was simple yet profound: to bring the community together during the holidays and support the hospital’s most pressing needs.
Whether it was fundraising for essential equipment like an MRI machine or simply creating a space for joy, Norah’s influence made the festival a success year after year.
Her confidence and positivity inspired those around her, helping the festival thrive as an annual event that uplifts the community.
Thirty years on, the Christmas Tree Festival carries forward Norah’s spirit. Her contributions helped lay the foundation for an event that continues to bring light and joy to Lethbridge each holiday season.
Whether it was fundraising for essential equipment like an MRI machine or simply creating a space for joy, Norah’s influence made the festival a success year after year.
Her confidence and positivity inspired those around her, helping the festival thrive as an annual event that uplifts the community.
Thirty years on, the Christmas Tree Festival carries forward Norah’s spirit. Her contributions helped lay the foundation for an event that continues to bring light and joy to Lethbridge each holiday season.
This year’s celebration serves as a tribute to Norah Hawn and others like her who believed in the power of giving back.
| Thank you Norah! |
Want to get involved next year?!
Our Christmas Tree Festival would be nothing without our generous donors and our impactful, tireless volunteers and sponsors.
Here are a few ways you can contribute next year:
Decorate: Are you an inspired creative? Check back next year to register to be a Festival Decorator! We supply the trees and stands. You supply the decorations and talent! Spaces are limited and sell out fast.
Donate a Silent Auction Item: Silent auction items are a valuable part of the Festival and Gala, check back next year to see how you can donate! We thank you for your generosity!
Attend the Gala: Join us for an enchanting evening of exquisite food and entertainment, and your exclusive opportunity to bring a special tree home for the holidays with a winning silent auction bid
Volunteer: We are always looking for volunteers! If you would like to volunteer at the Festival, check back next year to participate - thank you for the gift of your time!
Donate Funds: As a non-profit organization, the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation relies on the generosity of donors year-round to help further our mission of supporting heathcare in our community
To donate funds directly to Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, click here.
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors
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