Looking for a unique, handcrafted Christmas gift?

Jan Underwood, a coordinator with the Central Alberta Refugee Effort (C.A.R.E.), said Red Deerians will find it at the annual Christmas Craft Sale organized by C.A.R.E., Red Deer Native Friendship Society (RDNFS) and Red Deer Cultural Heritage Society.

The holiday craft sale takes place Dec. 7th from 4 to 8 p.m. at Festival Hall.

Underwood called the event, featuring about 25 local vendors, a Christmas craft sale with a multicultural twist.

“There are different ethnic vendors and Aboriginal vendors and there are also people who are mainstream Canadians, so it’s a real mix of the people who are selling things,” she said.

“There is going to be jewelry, dreamcatchers and some handmade ribbon skirts, gemstone jewelry, knitwear and children’s clothes. It’s all homemade. All local artisans. There will be different kinds of food, such as Somalian food and some Vietnamese rolls and empanadas, baking and chocolate.”

Underwood said the event is a great partnership among the three local organizations.

“We learn from each other,” she said. “Our immigrants are learning about Aboriginal culture and vice versa. Indigenous people are learning about some of the immigrants and refugees who are in our community.

“Hopefully, the ultimate part of it, is everyone will sell something and everyone is happy and everyone is getting along. We’re contributing to that welcoming community aspect, which is part of the job we do here at C.A.R.E.”

There will also be an artwork activity for children, Underwood said. Youngsters will have the chance to make a Christmas craft.

As a way of giving back to the community, vendors are donating a portion of their sales to the Aboriginal Youth Centre for Success.

Admission is free.