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Tree of Hope (photo by Liam Verster)
By Liam Verster
Christmas Celebrations

The Tree of Hope will shine in Grande Prairie again this year

Dec 12, 2019 | 12:26 PM

A local man is once again creating a Tree of Hope, and asking people to help with decorations.

Wesley L’Hirondelle is asking people to bring ornaments with names of loved ones they lost, or messages of hopes and dreams, and hang them on the tree in his yard.

L’Hirondelle wasn’t actually planning of doing the Tree of Hope this year due to budgetary restrictions, as he doesn’t have any sponsors and the power bill can really add up. But he says he was inspired by the demand from the public.

“What really got my heartstrings was when this lady pulled up, and she waved me over to her car and I saw her kids were in the back seat. She tells me that ‘we look forward to seeing your tree lit up, the Tree of Hope.’ And she goes ‘this year it would really mean a lot to us, because both me and my husband were laid off at work.’ They worked in the oil industry.”

He says that was just one of close to a hundred interactions he had that made him realize people are going through hard times, and need a way to express their hope during this time of year.

He adds that plenty of requests have come through his Grande Prairie Tree of Hope Facebook page, which also helped fuel the decision to follow through with the tree this year.

He says people can come during the lighting ceremony, with their ornaments, and hang them on the tree.

“People can come, bring a christmas decoration, put the name of a loved one that they lost, it does not matter how long ago, but put something to remember them by. Or else if they haven’t lost anybody, they can come and put their hopes and wishes or dreams. What they want to make a better life for them.”

The light up ceremony goes at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 14, at 8507 100 street.

Although the public is welcome to come out and see the tree, L’Hirondelle does ask that people respect his privacy, and not take pictures of the house too early or late in the day.

by Liam Verster