Presented by Black Knight Inn, the second annual Christmas Wish Breakfast will take place Nov. 19th where in exchange for bringing in a new unwrapped toy, you can get a free breakfast.
“What we ask people to do is bring a new unwrapped toy, and we ask for no stuffed animals and the beneficiaries are the Red Deer Salvation Army and the Red Deer Christmas Bureau. They’re the ones who receive the new toys,” said Lynn Iviney, chair of the Christmas Wish Breakfast Committee.
She added people can also make cash donations, and will get a receipt from one of those agencies in return.
There is also a facebook page called ‘Christmas Wish Breakfast’ which has a list of toys as gift suggestions for those needing ideas.
Last year $20,000 was raised from the breakfast in toys, cash and gift cards. The Red Deer Firefighters Children’s Charity contributed $5,000 worth of toys.
“Our Red Deer Firefighters Charity are a huge supporter of the breakfast. They donate a lot of toys and so the firefighters are there helping us out,” said Iviney.
Also from last year’s breakfast, 1,700 families and 1,400 kids through both of the agencies were helped, along with other agencies and people providing as well.
“I know some people think the economy is improving but there’s a feel that there’s still a lot of people who are hurting.”
Santa Claus and his elf Fern, along with a few of Santa’s furry friends, will also be in attendance. Sparky the fire dog and Waskasoo, the 2019 Canada Winter Games mascot will also be there.
Iviney said the other big part of the day is the entertainment portion, which runs all morning.
The entertainment includes local piano teacher, Cheryl Valentine, Wild Rose Harmonizers, Hearts of Harmony, Soliloquy and singer-songwriter Amy Metcalfe.
“At that point we’ll be asking the kids if they want to come up to the front and sing Christmas carols with them,” said Iviney.
Last year around 650 people came out to the event.
She said if there’s a line up, they will have a hot chocolate station outside.
The breakfast will take place from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Black Knight Inn Nov. 19th. Anyone is welcome to attend.
carlie.connolly@reddeerexpress.com
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