Delta Grand Okanagan’s Festival Of Trees: A Holiday Celebration For A Cause

This holiday season, the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort is lighting up Kelowna with its annual Festival of Trees, a festive display benefiting BC Children’s Hospital Foundation. Running from November 15, 2024, to January 3, 2025, this cherished event invites the community to enjoy stunning holiday decor while supporting life-changing care for BC’s youngest patients. We chatted with Tara Gerald, GM, Delta Grand Okanagan Resort, to learn more. —Noa Nichol

The Festival of Trees has become a cherished annual tradition at the Delta Grand. What do you believe has contributed to the event’s continued success and popularity within the Kelowna community?

The Festival of Trees at the Delta Grand has grown into something truly special in Kelowna because it embodies the generosity and community spirit that our city is known for. It’s not just about festive lights or decorations; it’s about creating a place where people from all corners of the community—families, friends, local businesses—come together to make a difference. This year’s festival runs from November 15, 2024, to January 3, 2025, allowing people ample time to visit, experience the magic, and show their support for BC Children’s Hospital.

In 2023, the Festival of Trees raised over $59,000, a testament to the dedication of our community and the importance people place on giving back during the holiday season. We see people returning year after year, not just to admire the decorations but because they feel part of something bigger, something that matters. What makes this tradition strong is that shared commitment, the collective belief that together, we can create a lasting impact for children and families across the province. It’s inspiring to witness the continued dedication from the community, and it’s an honour to host an event that brings people together with purpose while supporting BC Children’s Hospital.

Can you share some highlights of this year’s Festival of Trees, including any unique decorations, tree sponsors, or special additions that visitors can look forward to?

This year, we’re thrilled to offer a stunning holiday display with trees decorated by local businesses and sponsors who bring their own creativity and holiday spirit to each tree. Every display is unique and adds a personal touch, making the festival a true celebration of the season and community.

We have some incredible themed trees this year. McDonald’s has created a tree topped with a nostalgic vintage Ronald McDonald decoration, bringing a playful twist to their display. YLW Airport’s tree has a unique aviation theme with custom-made dog statues, representing their support for the airport’s dog program. Pharmasave joined in with a pharmacy-themed tree featuring candy-filled custom pill bottles, adding a fun and unexpected detail. The Rota family contributed a Disney princess-themed tree, sure to delight families and children, while Playtime Casino went all out with a magical winter wonderland gingerbread theme, creating a whimsical display that captures the enchantment of the season.

One of the major additions to our fundraising this year is Kelowna’s Largest Office Christmas Party. This annual gathering brings businesses together to celebrate the season while raising funds for BC Children’s Hospital through an exciting silent auction. It’s a fun, festive night that combines the joy of holiday celebrations with the meaningful impact of supporting a great cause.

Additionally, Oak + Cru Social Kitchen & Wine Bar is joining the festival with a dining initiative. Throughout the event, $1 from every burger sold at Oak + Cru will go directly to BC Children’s Hospital. This allows guests to contribute just by enjoying a meal, turning a simple outing into a way to give back. Every element of this year’s festival, from the lighting ceremony to the special events, has been designed to create a welcoming, meaningful experience for everyone involved, making it a beautiful way to celebrate the season while supporting BC Children’s Hospital.

How does the Delta Grand Okanagan Resort’s partnership with BC Children’s Hospital Foundation make a tangible impact on pediatric healthcare across British Columbia?

The Festival of Trees plays a vital role in helping BC Children’s Hospital fulfill its mission of providing essential healthcare to children across British Columbia and the Yukon. Each year, BC Children’s Hospital serves over 138,000 young patients, from remote communities to urban centers, ensuring that every child has access to the best possible care, no matter where they live or what health challenges they face.

The funds raised go directly into advancing pediatric research, investing in cutting-edge medical technology, and developing specialized treatments that would otherwise be out of reach for some families. For instance, donations from the festival support advanced imaging equipment and minimally invasive surgical tools that allow doctors to treat children more effectively and with less risk. Contributions also fund critical research in areas like cancer, heart disease, and mental health, helping BC Children’s Hospital stay at the forefront of pediatric healthcare.

The Festival of Trees allows everyone in Kelowna to take part in this mission, creating a direct impact by simply attending, donating, or participating in the silent auction. Each visitor becomes part of a larger effort to provide hope and healing to children across BC and the Yukon. It’s a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together, and we’re incredibly grateful for every person who helps us bring BC Children’s Hospital’s vision for healthier futures closer to reality.

With all proceeds from the silent auction and a portion of dining sales going to BC Children’s Hospital, how do you encourage the community to get involved and support this cause during the holiday season?

There are many ways to participate, and every action counts. Whether it’s attending the tree-lighting ceremony, bidding on items in the silent auction, or enjoying a meal at Oak + Cru, each contribution brings us closer to our goal of raising $50,000 this year. This is more than just a financial target; it represents hope and support for families facing one of life’s toughest challenges.

We invite people to come with family and friends, spread the word, and experience the festival as a way of coming together in support of a critical cause. Oak + Cru has made it easy to give back simply by dining, with $1 from every burger sale going directly to BC Children’s Hospital. The silent auction offers another way to contribute while giving attendees a chance to bring home something unique.

We’ve seen this community’s generosity before, and we’re optimistic that, together, we can make a lasting impact this season. Every visit, every donation, and every meal shared at the festival helps provide crucial resources for young patients and their families.

What do you hope visitors take away from experiencing the Festival of Trees, not only in terms of holiday cheer but also in understanding the importance of supporting children’s healthcare?

We hope visitors leave with a sense of connection and purpose, knowing they’ve played a role in supporting something truly important. The Festival of Trees is more than just ‘holiday cheer’—it’s about joining in a shared mission to support BC’s children.

By participating, visitors become part of a community that’s committed to providing vital healthcare, advancing research, and improving outcomes for kids who need it most. Our wish is for guests to feel inspired by the difference they’re helping make. This festival is a way to celebrate with intention, to enjoy the season while also making a lasting impact for families across BC and the Yukon.

Ultimately, the Festival of Trees is about celebrating what we can achieve together, and we’re deeply grateful for everyone who chooses to be part of that. It’s a joyful tradition that goes beyond holiday lights, reaching into hospital rooms and research facilities, bringing real hope and health to children who rely on BC Children’s Hospital. That’s the spirit we hope visitors take with them—and it’s the true heart of the Delta Grand Festival of Trees.