Commentary, Opinion

Monthly Message:  Plant a tree, shelter a life with annual campaign through My Sister’s Place

April 24, 2026   ·   0 Comments

Every year at My Sister’s Place, we run our annual Trees for Shelter campaign. For this fundraising campaign, we sell potted trees. The program began as a volunteer-run campaign under the skilled and knowledgeable supervision of retired forester Doug Skeates, selling Spruce seedlings. It has since branched out and grown over the years into a smoothly running operation providing a variety of native species of trees and bushes for both rural and suburban planting. The program is now run by former board member and farmer Dave Johnson, who keeps and cares for the trees on his farm in Egbert.

Each year, we gather our volunteers and have a planting day at the farm to pot our seedlings to grow for the next year’s sales, keeping the cycle of growth going. For the past several years, we have potted several varieties of seedlings, preparing them for sale. Dave then waters and cares for the trees throughout the spring, summer and fall months. Trees can be purchased through Dave now at the farm for $25 each by calling 705 458 9076.

Last year, for the first time in the program’s history, we added a second sales location to make buying a tree easier and more convenient. Murphy’s Farm Market and Bakery had trees available for purchase beginning in May and running through October. This year, Murphy’s will again have trees available for purchase starting on May 8th. Murphy’s Farm Market is located at 5141 County Road 10, Alliston. For store hours or directions, log onto www.murphysfarmmarket.com.

We are excited to announce that this year, we will have a third location for buying our trees! Sheldon Creek Dairy will also carry Trees for Shelter trees for the spring, summer and fall months, beginning on May 8th. Sheldon Creek Dairy is located at 4300 Concession Road 5, Loretto. For store hours and directions, log onto www.sheldoncreekdairy.ca.

The species of trees available this year through Dave, Murphy’s Farm Market, and Sheldon Creek Dairy will be White Spruce, White Cedar, Red Maple and Cranberry bushes and will be sold for $25 each. Cash only.

We are so grateful to both Murphy’s Farm Market and Sheldon Creek Dairy for their support with the fundraiser and for making it more convenient for people to buy our Trees for Shelter trees.

The Trees for Shelter fundraising campaign is an important part of our annual fundraising agenda. The funds raised from the program go to supporting the costs of the shelter, 2nd stage housing, our in-shelter services and outreach programs.

We also feel good that running the Trees for Shelter program is benefiting the environment. When you buy a Trees for Shelter tree, you are not only helping support women and children in your community living with the consequences of violence and abuse, but you are also making a difference by helping contribute to a healthier plant.

For more information on the Trees for Shelter program, email fundraiser@mysistersplace.ca or call Dave at 705 458 9076. This season, starting May 8, if you stop by Murphy’s Farm Market or Sheldon Creek Dairy to buy some farm market items, consider buying a tree and supporting My Sister’s Place, an important service in our community.

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