The second annual Tamara's Trees of Hope initiative is back at Lambton Mall to raise awareness about mental health during the holidays.
The fundraiser, organized by Talk for Tamara (TFT) and the Sarnia Community Foundation (SCF), will be held from November 23 until December 1.
SCF Executive Director Mike Barron said the event has grown this year from six to eight trees.
"There were so many entrants last year," Barron said. "I think it's been overwhelmingly successful."
Decorated Christmas trees will be set up inside the mall, near the HomeSense entrance, with several gifts to entice shoppers to buy raffle tickets for a chance to win a tree and everything underneath it.
Fund holder Lori Lumley said tickets will go on sale at 12 p.m. on November 23.
"Two for $5 or 10 for $20 and you put it in the tree of your choice -- there will be a ballot box beside each tree," said Lumley.
Each tree has a different theme and gifts include NHL tickets, a PlayStation 5, gift cards, bikes, and toys. The value of each tree (decorations and gifts included) range from $1,000 to $3,000.
Additional details about each tree can be found on TFT's Facebook page.
Ticket sales will end on December 1 at 7:30 p.m. and a draw will take place at the mall at 8 p.m.
Barron said approximately $12,000 was raised last year.
Proceeds will support agencies involved in suicide prevention, youth mental health, and associated educational courses.
Barron said in the past, funds have been donated to St. Clair Child and Youth and Bluewater Health.
TFT is a non-profit legacy charity fund, launched in memory of 17-year-old Tamara Lynn Lumley, who passed away in October 2018.