News release

Pictou County Family Donate Tree for Boston

Lands and Forestry (July 2018 - Aug. 2021)

Pictou County is home to this year’s annual Tree for Boston, a gift to the city of Boston to thank them for their efforts following the Halifax Explosion in 1917.

The 60-year-old, 45-foot white spruce, donated by Desmond Waithe and Corina Saunders of Black Point, Pictou Co., will soon be making its 1,100 kilometre trek to Boston.

A tree cutting ceremony will be held on Nov. 13. Students from Pictou Landing First Nation and Frank H. MacDonald Elementary School will attend the ceremony to learn about the annual tradition and the Halifax Explosion.

“The Tree for Boston is about gratitude, friendship and harmony,” said Lands and Forestry Minister, Iain Rankin. “We continue to honour Boston for their kindness during our time of need following the Halifax Explosion 102 years ago.”

Quotes:

“We are very proud and honoured to have our tree represent Nova Scotia in this year’s tradition of Tree for Boston. It is important to remember our past and recognize Boston for all their support during a tough moment in Nova Scotia’s history.”

– Desmond Waithe, tree donor

Quick Facts:

  • the tree is a thank you gift to Boston for sending medical personnel and supplies after 2,000 were killed and hundreds more were affected by the Halifax Explosion
  • the send-off for the Tree for Boston will be held on Nov. 15 at noon at Grand Parade, Halifax
  • the Tree for Boston will be in The Chronicle Herald Holiday Parade of Lights on Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. in Halifax
  • the Tree for Boston will reach its destination for a tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Boston Common

Additional Resources:

For pictures of this years Tree for Boston visit, https://novascotia.ca/news/photos/2019/11/06/

Follow the tree’s journey on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at https://twitter.com/treeforboston

For more information and key dates, visit http://www.novascotia.ca/treeforboston

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