The annual lighting of The Spirit Tree takes place tonight in Grande Prairie. This is the 3rd year for the event, and will be held outside on the patio of MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual. The Spirit Tree is a local fundraising campaign, completely run and organized by volunteers, that was put into action by Mike Edgar of Decca Industries. The heart behind the campaign is to raise funds to support Grande Prairie families who may be struggling at this time of year and desperately need it.

Raphael Bohlmann, volunteer with The Spirit Tree says, "There's a tough economic outlook out there right now, and more families that need our help".

Last year, upwards of $70,000 was raised for the event. The goal this year, is to support at least 75 families through the tree lighting ceremony. All donations will be converted into hampers that go to feed needy families at Christmas.

There is a few different ways in which you can participate. Corporations will be able to put their names on certain parts of the tree through sponsorship.

Bohlmann says, "We light the tree on monday night and have a party to celebrate, where they sell tickets for $50 a person that includes dinner and also a silent auction". 

The public will also be able to help raise funds by purchasing ornaments for the breathtaking 20 foot tall, rotating Christmas Tree. Different sizes and values of ornaments can be purchased, any denomination is accepted, nothing is too small, it will all go to the same end cause. Ornaments can be purchased at the tree lighting ceremony tonight at MR MIKES from 7:00-10:00pm.

For more information on The Spirit Tree and tonight's event, visit www.thespirittree.ca