Project Poinsettia will not be held this year, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Martin Martinson

Tradition on hold

Project Poinsettia cancelled this year

Nov 18, 2020 | 4:00 PM

For the last number of years, Project Poinsettia has been a staple of the Christmas season in the Battlefords and Meadow Lake. However, this year the event will not be held, due to the ongoing pandemic.

An initiative driven by community radio stations, Q98-FM and CJNS-FM of the Jim Pattison Broadcast Group, the tradition allows local businesses the chance to partner in the project, that helps to deliver poinsettia flowers to residents in hospital or long-term care homes within the two communities, around the holiday season.

Q98 morning show announcer, Nic Fransoo, said it’s really unfortunate they were unable to go ahead with the seasonal event this year, designed to help bring families and community together.

“Project Poinsettia has been such a good thing for our community, specifically for those who often at Christmas time may get a little bit forgotten about,” he said.

“Especially during this time, long term care has been so inaccessible to families, so it’s really a disappointment to us to not be able to provide that little bit of Christmas cheer within the community,” Fransoo added.

Freedom and Flexibility

How App-Based Work Creates Economic Opportunity

Dec 12, 2025

Riderville

Now for the Hard Part

Dec 10, 2025

Seniors Scene

Christmas is Coming

Dec 09, 2025

Over the last number of years, since the initiative began, Fransoo has seen first-hand the joy something as simple as delivering flowers can bring to those living in long term care homes.

He said it’s a simple, but very valuable way to give back to those in the community who have lived their lives here, adding he is hopeful the project can return in the coming years.

“I know it’s brought joy to many of those living in long-term care and their families,” Fransoo said. “The families that do come in and visit really do respect that we’re trying to do something for the people that have done so much for the community over the many years they have been members here. We’re disappointed we’re not able to do so this year, but look forward to being able to do something again in the future.”

—

Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1