Pieces of Parliament roof become ornaments

An Ottawa charity has come up with a unique way to raise money to help families in need during the winter holidays — selling little pieces of Canada's Parliament Buildings.

The Christmas Exchange revealed designs for tree ornaments Wednesday, decorations made from scraps of recycled copper roofing from one of Canada's most famous landmarks.

The copper has a rich history, having taken on a green patina during years of rusting atop the buildings in Ottawa. But in 1996 the roof needed replacing and 7,000 kilograms of copper was given to charity.

Bob Graziano of ARC Industries said the copper went onto the roof between the war years of 1914 and 1918. To conserve scarce copper, builders applied a very thin layer.

"It's extremely thin, you can cut it with a pair of scissors," said Graziano.

Marilyn Matheson of the Christmas Exchange said sending a piece of Canadian history to friends or family across Canada, or even overseas, would make a unique Christmas gift.

"It makes it pure Canada," she said. "It would make a wonderful gift and our story will be told over and over again."

The ornaments will be on sale for $25 at some Hallmark stores in Ottawa. Part of the proceeds will be used to buy vouchers for local families in need.