Saskatchewan

It's a miracle! Easter eggs growing on Aberdeen, Sask., tree for charity

Shiny, colourful Easter eggs are growing on a tree of kindness in Aberdeen, Sask.

The miracle of kindness is growing on a tree in Aberdeen, Sask.

Joanna Izabela Komorek‎ is one of several photographers who have come to Aberdeen, Sask. to take photos of the Easter eggs. (Submitted to CBC/Joanna Izabela Komorek‎)

The miracle of kindness is growing on a tree in Aberdeen, Sask.

Thousands of shiny, colourful Easter eggs hang in clusters on the town's Easter "miracle tree", on Main Street.

"The main goal was to make it look spectacular," said Paulette Hudon.

Each egg costs $2 and all of the proceeds go to Christmas Miracles, a Christmas hamper program in the town. (Submitted to CBC/Joanna Izabela Komorek‎)

Hudon knows better than most that her community is one with a generous spirit. She takes on the duties of Mrs. Claus each year, organizing a Christmas donation program through the volunteer group Christmas Miracles.

This year, she's traded in her jolly disposition and red clothing for a rabbit's tail, ears and swiftness.

The Easter "Miracle" Tree stands on Main Street in Aberdeen. (Submitted to CBC/Joanna Izabela Komorek‎)

According to Hudon, Christmas Miracles decided Easter 2016  was the perfect time to start fundraising for the next Christmas season.

She explained that the idea of the Easter egg tree is borrowed from one of the group's "angels" — more commonly known as volunteers.

"It is a popular custom in some European countries to fill an outdoor tree with Easter Eggs," reads the group's Facebook page.

"While doing our research we could not find one mentioned in Canada, actually not even North America. There may be one somewhere, but we can't find it. So we have decided that Aberdeen, Sask., would be a great location for one."

Joanna Izabela Komorek‎ is one of many photographers captivated by the Easter egg tree. (Submitted to CBC/Joanna Izabela Komorek‎)

According to Hudon, people can buy an egg to hang on the tree for $2. There are seven different egg colours to choose from, each with a different meaning:

  • Gold miracle egg represents a memorial, or dedication to someone who is ill, or an illness in general.
  • Glow-in-the-dark egg is dedicated to a student, teacher or staff member at the school.
  • Yellow egg represents the Town of Aberdeen, its residents, councilors, and staff.
  • Orange egg represents the RM of Aberdeen, its residents, councilors and staff.
  • Pink egg represents the community's service groups; fire department, first responders, churches, Christmas Miracles etc.
  • Blue egg represents the town's various clubs.
  • Purple egg represents local businesses.
Hundreds of eggs hang on the tree. (Submitted to CBC/Joanna Izabela Komorek‎)

Currently, the group has raised $1,600 for Christmas Miracles from eggs sold.

"Everybody is excited," Hudon said. "We're getting emails from Nova Scotia, Africa — everywhere!"

Hudon said the eggs will be on sale until Good Friday, March 25.

Hudon said this fundraising initiative for Christmas Miracles is the most popular to date. (Submitted to CBC/Joanna Izabela Komorek‎)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Madeline Kotzer

@MadelineKotzer

Madeline Kotzer is an award-winning Saskatchewan journalist and News Assignment Producer for CBC Saskatchewan and CBC Saskatoon. Reach Madeline at madeline.kotzer@cbc.ca.