By Thursday, Nov. 16  the halls at the Okotoks Recreation Centre will be decked out with Christmas trees.

The Avenue of Trees is a fundraiser for the Sheep River Health Trust where local businesses and organizations decorate trees to be set up at the Rec Centre. Trees go to vote on the Health Trust's Facebook page for awards and the top 10 trees go to auction at the Mistletoe Market on Dec. 9.

Andrea Mitchell, Executive Director of the Sheep River Health Trust, says a wide variety of groups take part.

"It's 40 trees, they're fully decorated by local companies and businesses," she explains. "We have new businesses, returning businesses, service clubs, everything under the stars to see what kind of trees come forward."

Mitchell says trees are purchased by residents and taken home or go towards making the holidays bright for those in need.

"We do have an opportunity for people to buy a tree for someone in need, last year over half of our trees went back into the community. We identify families in need through partner organizations. You can purchase a tree, you get a tax receipt, then the Sheep River Health Trust delivers the tree to a family for a Christmas treat."

Trees will be on display at the Okotoks Recreation Centre from Nov. 16- Dec. 9.

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