Nova Scotia Buzz
Nova Scotia sends a Christmas tree to Boston every year to thank the city for sending aid after the Halifax Explosion of 1917. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the tree still made the trip to Boston, last year by container ship. That tree was dedicated to the frontline workers aiding in the pandemic. This year’s tree is coming from Orangedale, Inverness County, Cape Breton.
The Tree for Boston is being donated by landowner L’Arche Cape Breton. They’re a non-profit organization that creates safe, supportive homes and meaningful work for people with disabilities.
“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.”
The tree-cutting ceremony will be held November 10 at L’Arche Cape Breton’s property. Members of the L’Arche community will attend to help celebrate the annual tradition.
“In response to the explosion in 1917, Boston extended a hand of friendship to Halifax, which was accepted with open arms and returned with an endless thanksgiving through the Tree for Boston. This connects deeply with us in L’Arche. In the service of our mission, we aspire to build the same values of relationship and gratitude every day.” said Mukthar Limpao, Executive Director and Community Leader, L’Arche Cape Breton
This year is the 104th anniversary of the Halifax explosion. The first Tree for Boston was donated in 1971 by Joseph Slauenwhite from Lunenburg County.
