250 local kids need your help

Clockwise from back right, Jasmine Meyers (CIBC), Alana Robinson (CIBC), Dawn Hamilton (Angel Tree co-ordinator), Kim Banks (CIBC), Kam Burrows (CIBC) and Kassandra Fryer (CIBC) encourage the community to participate in the Angel Tree set up at the Coast Discovery Inn lobby. The campaign got a helping hand from CIBC Friday with a $1,000 donation raised through Jeans Days, raffles, and a book sale.

Kristen Douglas/The Mirror

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The Downtown BIA’s Angel Tree which benefits local kids needs a last minute push from the community.

The tree helps kids identified by various agencies as vulnerable or at risk by making their Christmas a little bit brighter.

The names of 250 kids are written on tags and are hanging on the branches of a Christmas tree set up at the Coast Discovery Inn lobby. The tags outline the child’s needs and their wants.

Members of the public are encouraged to take a tag from the tree and purchase the items listed on the tag.

The campaign started last Friday and ends this Sunday, Dec. 9.

The problem is, there were still 150 tags left on the tree as of Tuesday morning.

“A bit of panic with so many tags remaining,” said Dawn Hamilton, angel tree co-ordinator.

The Angel Tree, which is not affiliated with Campbell River Family Services as suggested by the above photo, has been a project of the Downtown BIA for 22 years and Hamilton said it’s for a good cause.

“For some families, I know this will be the only gift (the children) get this Christmas,” she said.

To pick up a tag, simply drop by the Coast Discovery Inn Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., or Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.