Kids marvel at nautically-decorated Christmas tree
S/Lt Peggy Kulmala
HMCS Malahat
December 17, 2007
Cpl Chris Ward
Base Imaging Services
Aiden and Brock, both from the Military Family Resource Centre daycare, examine HMCS Malahat’s nautical-themed tree at the Festival of Trees held in the Fairmont Empress Hotel. The stop was part of a field trip to teach children about customs and traditions of the holiday season.
Last week, pre-schoolers from CFB Esquimalt’s Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC) Daycare marvelled at HMCS Malahat’s nautically-decorated Christmas tree, one of many on display at the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
The children were on a festive field trip to learn about customs and traditions of the holiday season.
This is the second year Malahat, Victoria’s Naval Reserve Division, has sponsored a tree.
“The Festival of Trees is near and dear to our hearts. Many of our part-time sailors are also parents or have full-time careers caring for children,” said Cdr Paul MacNeill, the division’s commanding officer.
Malahat sailors decorated their tree with port (red) and starboard (green) lighting and a rope lanyard garland. Topped by a bell, their tree’s branches showcase nautical ornaments such as kisbee rings, anchors and pictures of its sailors.
The Festival of Trees transforms the Fairmont Empress Hotel into a forest of decorated trees. Local businesses, organizations and individuals sponsor and decorate a tree. For a twoonie, festival visitors can cast a vote for their favourite tree. Last year the festival raised more than $85,000 for the B.C. Children’s Hospital. Now in its 16th year, the Festival has grown to feature 60 trees. The trees are displayed throughout the Fairmont Empress until Jan. 6, 2008.
