ASSINIBOIA — While Assiniboia Kinsmen Club members say they aren’t sure when Christmas tree sales began in the community, they do know it has been taking place for more than 40 years.
Longtime former Kinsmen and K-40 member Doug McConnell says they started the tree sales project in 1974, making this year the 50th year for this service club’s annual project.
“We had a few locations including Orban’s Motors, Elks Hall and there was a vacant building we used downtown that we lit up and used portable heaters for Kinsmen club members to take turns selling real Christmas trees. It took a full team effort to unload the semi that brought the supply,” added McConnell.
“Before Telemiracle was created, we put the money in general club funds and used for community funding but once Telemiracle became a thing, then we earmarked tree sales for the provincial telethon,” said the former Assiniboia resident and Kinsmen member.
Residents say back when downtown holiday activities drew people to town and provided a good opportunity to socialize, the Kinsmen Christmas tee lot was a must-do activity. Memories were shared of inhaling that fresh pine scent while hearing hearty laughter from Kinsmen volunteers and shoppers alike under the temporary hanging lights set up at this location, offering a great infusion of Christmas spirit.
This year, the club will sell live Christmas trees at the Kin Hut. Why not spruce up your home with a live tree?
A spokesman for the Assiniboia Kinsmen Club says there used to be more proceeds realized from this seasonal project to use throughout the year in community projects, but with continued rising costs, this project provides more of a service to the community.
Live trees can last five weeks or more if taken care of properly. Ensure your tree always has enough water, and check it daily as the water should always cover the cut end of the trunk.
