The Christmas tree lights have been turned on for the RCMP’s annual campaign in support of Make-A-Wish Canada.

Eight-year-old Amelia, who is a wish kid herself, flipped the switch on the RCMP’s 14-foot tree at their headquarters in St. John’s earlier this week.

Detachments across the province will be collecting donations and raising money to grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses, or severe genetic or neurological conditions in the province.

The RCMP have been partnering with Make-A-Wish for over 38 years, and in that time over half a million dollars has been raised.

Barry Fowler, Make-A-Wish NL Chapter Director, calls the event a “substantial holiday tradition” that has resulted in many wishes for critically ill children.