Nova Scotia Tree Arrives at Boston Common with Trees for Charity

Boston city officials, school children waving flags and a police escort heralded the arrival of the Nova Scotia tree for Boston on Boston Common today, Nov. 16.

This year's tree is a 15-metre (50-foot), 70-year-old white spruce donated by Paul and Jan Hicks of Jordan Bay, Shelburne Co.

"We're glad the tree arrived safely and are looking forward to seeing it light up Boston Common," said Deputy Premier Frank Corbett. "For many Nova Scotians and Bostonians, this tradition is the official kick off to the holiday season and we're honoured to be a part of it."

Four smaller trees were sent with the big tree, and have been donated to two Boston shelters, Rosie's Place and the Pine Street Inn.

"Holiday time at Rosie's Place means making sure everything is extra-special for the poor and homeless women we serve," said Sue Marsh, executive director of Rose's Place. "Thanks to the generous people of Nova Scotia, and their donation of beautiful trees, our guests and volunteers will be truly in the holiday spirit."

Each year, a Nova Scotia family donates a Christmas tree from its property as a gift to thank the Massachusetts city for the help it provided after the Halifax Explosion in 1917.

"All of us in Boston look forward to seeing the truck from Halifax pull up to Boston Common in November," said Antonia Pollak, Boston Parks and Recreation commissioner. "We give our heartfelt thanks to the people of Nova Scotia for continuing the tradition of giving Boston a tree for residents and visitors to enjoy."

The tree will be decorated for the official tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 29th at 8 p.m. Atlantic time. Nova Scotians can watch live on Boston's ABC channel.

To learn more, visit http://novascotia.ca/TreeforBoston. To learn the latest on the tree from Boston via social media, visit www.Facebook.com/TreeforBoston or follow @TreeforBoston on Twitter.