Innisfil Hope Tree
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In December of 2020, the Town of Innisfil added a ray of light to Innisfil Beach Park, one evergreen tree now stands out among the rest, the Innisfil Hope Tree. Adorned with bright white lights, this tree was unlike any other, a symbol of resilience, perseverance, and hope to focus the conversation on positivity within the community.
As COVID-19 continues to challenge our community, the Hope Tree once again lit up as a way to celebrate the holiday season, unite the community, and give residents an opportunity to share their hopes for the future.
While visiting the Hope Tree, residents will notice a mailbox nearby, and are encouraged to drop off letters, notes, or pictures with their hopes for the future. The notes will be collected and then shared through social media to connect and inspire our community.
The Innisfil Hope Tree supports mental health and community building – two priority areas identified by our community during the Town’s ongoing Community Needs Assessment which is being conducted to support residents through the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hope Tree represents just one of many initiatives meant to keep spirits up by giving residents more options to get outside and focus on positivity.
The Hope Tree project was a joint collaboration of the Town of Innisfil and Innisfil ideaLAB & Library and is proudly supported by Council and will return next year.
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Innisfil Council Lights Up "Hope Tree"
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Media Release – December 16, 2020
Innisfil, ON – Last night Mayor Dollin and Council gathered at Innisfil Beach Park to light up the Hope Tree – a symbol and celebration of our community’s perseverance that invites residents to focus the conversation on positivity. In addition to a new and exciting beacon for residents to enjoy, a mailbox is available at the site to encourage visitors to drop off letters of their hopes for the future. The notes will be collected and then shared through social media to connect with the community.
“Just like the individual lights on the tree, our community shines brighter with the support of each other,” said Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin. “We know this has been a tough year for our residents and this is an opportunity for our community to share their hopes for the days, weeks and years to come.”
When planning on visiting the Hope Tree residents are reminded to:
- Maintain two metres of physical distancing from everyone outside of your household.
- Wear a face covering in indoor public spaces, outdoors if physical distancing cannot be maintained, or if wearing one is required.
- Stay home if you have symptoms, even if they are mild.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly.
- Cover your cough.
The Community Needs Assessment identified mental health as an important focus for residents. The Hope Tree represents just one of many initiatives meant to keep spirits up by giving residents more options to get outside and focus on positivity.
The Hope Tree project is another joint collaboration of the Town of Innisfil and Innisfil ideaLAB & Library and is proudly supported by Council.
To find out more please visit https://www.getinvolvedinnisfil.ca/hope
Source: Town of Innisfil -
Innisfil's Hope Tree Lights Up The Darkness
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Innisfil Today – December 16, 2020
2020 has been a rough year – and although COVID vaccines present a glimmer of light at the end of a very dark tunnel, all predictions call for a tough winter.That’s why, said Innisfil Mayor Lynn Dollin, there’s a real need for something to brighten spirits. “This year, more than any other, we need something to hope for.”
The Community Needs Assessment group, a partnership between the Town of Innisfil and the Innisfil ideaLAB & Library, has recognized that mental health is a key issue during the ongoing pandemic and crisis, and has been working on projects that can maintain connectivity, encouraging residents to get outside and get active.
Like the Hope Tree.
The majestic evergreen, located in Innisfil Beach Park overlooking Lake Simcoe, has been decorated with lights, providing a beacon in the night along the main trail. A “mail box” has also been set up a short distance away, where visitors to the park are invited to drop off letters and notes, expressing their hopes and wishes for the coming year.
The messages will be posted on social media, to be shared with the community.
A small gathering of councillors and Innisfil ideaLAB staff came out for the official launch of the Hope Tree on Tuesday night, despite sub-zero temperatures.
Mayor Dollin spoke of the issues facing the Town and the world, during a time of pandemic and economic turmoil.
Source: Innisfil Today -
COVID-19: Tree of Hope
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South Simcoe Today – December 15, 2020
The Town of Innisfil lit up the Hope Tree Tuesday evening (Dec 15) at Innisfil Beach Park.Mayor Lynn Dollin says the tree is a symbol of the community’s perseverance.
A mailbox was available for visitors to drop off letters expressing their hopes for the future.
The notes will be collected and shared with the community through social media.
Source: South Simcoe Today
