The theft of Christmas trees in years past has the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre hoping new, donated fencing will better protect its lot.

A transport truck arrived in Ottawa Saturday morning from Nova Scotia, carrying 950 balsam firs.

The trees were unloaded at a lot behind the hospital for its 26th annual Christmas tree sale in support of "patient care and comfort." The trees are now on sale.

Trees have raised $295,000 for the hospital on Carling Avenue over the past 25 years, but the annual sales have been hurt by consistent theft.

Volunteers have raised more than $20,000 on average from Christmas tree sales in recent years, but about 50 trees are stolen each year. That adds up to about $1,200 lost, a longstanding volunteer said.

Ontario company donates fencing

But this year, Mississauga-based construction company EllisDon donated $8,000 worth of fencing to surround the lot, which Royal Ottawa could not afford.

Liz Vittorini, who has been selling the trees for 15 years, said the volunteers are excited and are hoping the fencing will relieve stress.

Vittorini said she has even seen thefts happen while arriving to volunteer.

"I've come in and seen a truck loading trees and I'm trying to follow the truck," the volunteer told the CBC's Kate Porter.

"It really bothers me … it's like stealing from the needy."

The funds raised go towards grocery gift cards for patient outings for those with limited incomes.

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