Innisfil's Hope Tree Lights Up The Darkness

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