"Starting in the early 1990s, Sonny Flanagan began opening up Christmas tree lots in Toronto, and soon after, he earmarked a portion of every sale to Out of the Cold, a charity that helps feed and shelter the homeless during the winter months. Daughter Bobbi Johnston-Flanagan, who along with sister Corey now operates part of the tree business, told CBC Toronto this week that helping those who are less fortunate has always been part of the Flanagan family tradition."
"Sharna Cohen is program director for Out of the Cold. She says the Flanagan family's donations make up almost a third of her organization's budget. (Mike Smee/CBC) She says so far this season, Sonny's Christmas Trees has raised almost $78,000. Overall, she figures the family has raised more than $820,000 for Out of the Cold since the family tree business began its charitable donations about 30 years ago."
An Uxbridge family began donating part of Christmas tree sales to Out of the Cold in the early 1990s after Sonny Flanagan started opening tree lots in Toronto. Family members now operate multiple seasonal lots across the city and allocate 20% of proceeds to the charity. Donations amount to almost a third of the charity's budget, with about $78,000 raised this season and more than $820,000 raised over roughly 30 years. Trees sell for roughly $30 to $80, and family members describe volunteering at tree lots as enjoyable and rewarding.
Read at www.cbc.ca
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