L’Arche donates Christmas tree

ORANGEDALE — An Inverness County non-profit is taking part in an over 50year tradition by donating a Christmas tree to the City of Boston.

L'Arche Cape Breton, a non-profit organization that creates safe, supportive homes and meaningful work for people with disabilities, donated the 60-year-old, 48foot tall white spruce.

The tree-cutting ceremony will be held on Nov. 10 on L'Arche Cape Breton's property in Orangedale. Members of the L'Arche community will attend to help celebrate the annual tradition.

"The Tree for Boston has been a symbol of appreciation, friendship and unity for 50 years," said Tory Rushton, minister of natural resources and renewables.

"We will never forget the kindness the people of Boston showed Nova Scotia following the tragedy of the Halifax Explosion,” he added.

The Halifax Explosion happened 104 years ago on Dec. 6, 1917.

The province is partnering with Port of Halifax, container terminal PSA Halifax and transportation company Eimskip Canada to transport the tree on a container vessel to Boston as part of COVID19 protocols.

The tree is expected to leave Halifax for Boston on Nov. 15.