Holiday spirit restored after Tree of Hope vandalized and local electric company steps up

It doesn’t do much for holiday spirit when the namesake of the Family and Children’s Services; holiday campaign is found vandalized in Kingston.

But when a local company steps up to help, it’s a reminder of the kindness the holiday season is all about.

On Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2018, officials at Family and Children’s Services of Frontenac, Lennox, and Addington noticed that the power supply and wiring of their tree in Kingston was damaged. Upon further inspection, it was determined the wiring and power supply to keep the tree light had been intentionally vandalized.

The tree, which was named ‘Hope’ in a contest last year, is the symbol of the Tree of Hope campaign, along with its Napanee counterpart named ‘Charity.’ Hope was lit during a special night ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 14, and was supposed to remain lit for the entirety of the Tree of Hope campaign, which provides gifts, coats, and other necessities to area children and teenagers in need.

But if Santa is still checking his list of who is naughty and who is nice, Boyd Electric in Kingston deserves to be at the top of the nice list – the company agreed to fix the damage and rewire the tree for free. The tree is expected to be lit again by Tuesday evening.

The 100-year-old Tree of Hope holiday appeal is on track to provide 900 kids with toys, clothing and more on December 25. To help make that happen or find out more about the campaign, go to www.HelpTreeofHope.ca.