The Cochrane Ecological Institute is holding its annual Christmas Tree Event the first weekend in December. 

You can head out to the institute, which is about 20 minutes northwest of Cochrane, make a donation and receive a freshly cut spruce tree. 

Nora Schmidt says over the 50 years since they've been doing this they have helped every kind of animal you can think of. 

Schmidt says they've helped "beavers, bobcats, deer, elk, moose, bears, squirrels and skunks and squirrels."

She says "It's a great family event. We have a BBQ, we offer hot chocolate and coffee and hot dogs and we have a good turnout every year."

The funds go towards maintenance of the orphaned and injured animals that come to the institute. 

There will be pony rides at the family-friendly event as well. 

Schmidt says there are staff members but they rely a lot on volunteers. She says they have veterinarian students who come from Europe to study. 

The event runs December 7 & 8 from 11am - 4 pm. 

The Cochrane Ecological Institute Cochrane Wildlife Reserve Society is located at 51061 Twp Road 280