Lions on the hunt for local tree buyers

It's become a regular site for Christmas tree shoppers.

The Thornton Lions Club began their annual tree sale in front of the Puck 'n' Pizza, located at the Innisfil Beach Road and County Road 27 intersection, Sunday afternoon. Over the next few weeks, club members will sell balsam firs and scotch pines for $35 each, with proceeds benefitting the organization's various community projects.

"It goes back into our community projects," said club president Warren Baguley. "It's used for various things, but it's hard to pinpoint at this time. (Residents) can be guaranteed their money goes back into the community, in one way or another."

Organizers hope to sell several hundred trees. During the last few years, funds raised have benefitted guide dog programs, hockey and soccer clubs and kidney dialysis and CNIB camps.

It's one of the club's largest annual fundraisers.

"We've been big supporters of (Royal Victoria Hospital's Simcoe Muskoka Regional Cancer Centre)," said Baguley. "We'd like to support the new Cookstown Library (and Community Centre)."

Only cash will be accepted. The lot is open weekdays from 5:30 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.