When Bailey was just nine days old, she was rushed to Victoria General Hospital in critical condition, not breathing and unresponsive. Needing urgent pediatric care to survive the effects of an undiagnosed illness, a doctor from BC Children’s Hospital flew in to save Bailey's life and stabilize her for the helicopter trip to BCCH.
The medical team worked through the night and for several more days to save Bailey, eventually diagnosing a condition that was leading to heart failure. Thankfully, treatment began to work, and Bailey returned home several weeks later.
Now 2 and thriving under continued medical care, Bailey has grown into an adventure-seeking daredevil who loves to keep her parents on their toes. “BC Children’s Hospital saved our daughter’s life. She simply would not be with us if the pediatric care she needed wasn’t rushed to us here in Victoria,” reflect parents Sarah and Blake Black.
Bailey is one of more than 3,000 Vancouver Island kids treated at BC Children’s Hospital last year – children at the heart of one of Victoria's most cherished holiday events, the Festival of Trees.
Setting the Bay Centre a-twinkle with the sights and sounds of the season, the festival raises vital funds for Island children who need care through BC Children's Hospital, explains Darlene Hollstein, General Manager of the Bay Centre.
"It's about supporting and helping local families, and taking care of children from here on the Island," Hollstein says, noting that since the Bay Centre started hosting the annual display in 2015, it's generated more than $1.4 million for the most urgent needs at BCCH – the only B.C. hospital specifically designed to care for children from across British Columbia and Yukon.
New in 2024, the centre is overseeing production of the event, a signature kick-off to the holiday season that transforms the downtown destination into one of the largest Christmas tree displays on the Island, with 80 trees over three floors.
With friendly competition among businesses paired with the enthusiasm of locals and visitors who make the Festival a holiday tradition, "it's very much about coming together as a community," Hollstein reflects, inviting everyone to come take in the inspiring creations and vote for their favourites through Jan. 5
Top 5 must-dos to experience the Festival of Trees Victoria
This year's fundraising goal is $100,000, which will help fund breakthrough research, treatment and care for seriously ill kids. Here's how you can get festive and spread the joy of the holiday season:
- Plug into the Festival of Trees Victoria holiday playlist while touring the trees, available to stream at thebaycentre.ca/festival-of-trees. For visitors seeking a quieter visit, weekdays after dark is a peaceful time to take in the holiday ambience and enjoy the trees shining their best.
- Spot your favourite? Vote by donation by scanning the QR code next to the trees and support BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.
- Enjoy a free holiday photo on select weekends – from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays to Dec. 15, Four Frames Photo Booth will be on site.
- Grab a Festival of Trees-inspired treat from Oso Cafe Dessert in the Food Terrace with partial proceeds going to BC Children's Hospital.
- Tag @festivaloftreesvictoria and @thebaycentre on social and spread the holiday cheer!
Learn more at thebaycentre.ca/festival-of-trees