The Exchange Club of New Canaan is kicking off its annual Christmas Tree sale at Kiwanis Park this Friday, November 29th. This year marks the Club’s fifty second year running the annual event, which raises funds for a variety of charitable organizations in New Canaan and nearby communities.
Exchange Club President Jim Murray said “We’re delighted again this year to be holding our annual Christmas tree sale. It’s our club’s flagship event, and all of the profits go to local charities. Thanks to the support and generosity of the people of New Canaan, we’ve been able to donate more than $1.2 million to over 35 local charities over the past 12 years alone, and the Christmas tree sale is by far our largest fundraising event.”
The tree lot in Kiwanis Park, on Old Norwalk Road, will be open every day. Hours are from 9 am until 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and 11 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday, from November 29th through December 22nd. The Club sells trees (Balsam and Fraser firs), wreaths and various Christmas merchandise.
George Benington, the Exchange Club’s incoming President who is overseeing the tree lot’s operation, noted that the tree lot has become a fixture of life in New Canaan over the years. “It’s a really enjoyable time at the lot every year, as we see so many members of the community dropping by to purchase their Christmas trees and holiday decorations; and bringing their children to see Santa Claus. We also supply wreaths for the VFW to lay on veterans’ graves in New Canaan.”
The annual festivities at Kiwanis Park include a tree lighting ceremony, which will be held at 5 pm on Saturday, December 7th, at the conclusion of the annual Town Holiday Stroll.
“The Exchange Club’s motto is ‘Unity for Service’,” Jim Murray noted, “and we have over 100 members who take almost an entire month to make this happen. We also get great support from the Service League of Boys, who do a lot of the heavy lifting – literally! So, we thank them, as well as everyone who has supported this great event over the past fifty years, and we encourage everyone to come on out again.” For more information, visit newcanaanexchangeclub.com.