Christmas Tree Festival 2024
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Join us in for our 30th Annual Christmas Tree Festival |
Always a shimmering spectacle of our community's generosity!
The 30th annual Christmas Tree Festival is back and merrier—and brighter—than ever!
This year's Christmas Tree Festival holds a special place in our hearts as we celebrate its 30th anniversary,
a legacy that began with the vision of Norah Hawn and the sitting CRHF Board of Directors in 1994.
a legacy that began with the vision of Norah Hawn and the sitting CRHF Board of Directors in 1994.
As we look back on three decades of holiday magic,
we honor Norah's dream and the incredible community that continues to make it a reality, year after year.
we honor Norah's dream and the incredible community that continues to make it a reality, year after year.
This family-friendly festival brings the community together to celebrate the warmth and spirit of Christmas, while shining a light on the importance of supporting critical life-saving healthcare in our community.
You and your loved ones will stroll through the twinkling Christmas trees and glimmering wreaths, and enjoy an ice-skating adventure.
Kick off the holiday season with warm hearts and twinkling trees -
Scroll down for more information regarding our free public viewings from November 17th - 19th!
The glitz continues to shine right until the very end, wrapping up with the fundraising gala and auction.
Last year’s festival raised more than $170,000 for the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, which directly supports innovative equipment and programming for the Chinook Regional Hospital.
Presented by:
Christmas Tree Festival: At a glance
Location: VisitLethbridge.com Arena – 2510 Scenic Dr S, Lethbridge, AB
Free Public Viewings -
Tuesday, November 19th | 12:00pm - 8:00pm
Free Family Night & Skate -
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Gala and Auction (SOLD OUT)
Please note: Any tickets sold after Friday, November 8th will not be mailed but will be available at the door.Wednesday, November 20th - 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Want to get involved?
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 this year:
Decorate: Are you an inspired creative? 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, but space is limited. We thank you for your generosity!
If you are interested in either becoming a Decorating Team or would like to donate a Silent Auction Item - please contact Molly at molly.pletsch@albertahealthservices.ca
Attend the Gala: Join us on Wednesday, November 20th, 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
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.
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.
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.
Lethbridge Community College - The Endeavour 1975
(Norah Hawn Interviwed about Meals on Wheels)
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.
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! |
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsors
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