News release

Province Donates Christmas Trees

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

Nova Scotians can share the holiday spirit by selecting a Christmas tree from their province to enjoy in their homes.

The province is promoting its Christmas tree industry in an annual tradition where three donated trees from the Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers Association are then given to local charitable organizations.

"Christmas trees are an important part of the festive tradition for many Nova Scotian families," said Minister of Natural Resources John MacDonell. "From the hunt for the perfect tree to the decorating process, it's a tradition that brings families together."

Lt.-Gov. Mayann Francis donated her tree to the Mission of Seafarers, Premier Darrell Dexter donated his to the Home of the Guardian Angel - Single Parent Centre and John MacDonell, Minister of Natural Resources, donated his tree to Adsum House, a temporary emergency shelter for women and their children.

"The women and children who stay at Adsum's shelter, or visit us through the holiday season, love having a tree to decorate and sit around," said Adsum House executive director, Sheri Lecker. "A shelter is not a home, but the presence of a beautiful tree, even to those who don't celebrate Christmas, can work magic."

Nova Scotia is the balsam fir Christmas tree capital of the world. More than 1.5 million trees are exported annually to other provinces, the United States and overseas. There are 2,500 Nova Scotia Christmas tree growers and the industry means $30 million each year to the economy as well as about 500 full-time and 2,500 seasonal jobs.