Organizers are gearing up for the first annual Christmas Wish Breakfast, to be held Nov. 20th at the Black Knight Inn.
The event runs from 8 to 11 a.m. and the focus is on helping children in need, said Lynn Iviney, Christmas Wish Breakfast chair.
When a new toy is brought to the event, generous Red Deerians will be treated to a free hot breakfast buffet, some Christmas entertainment, and the ‘feel-good’ spirit of helping those in need at Christmastime. Cash donations to these agencies will also be accepted, and a charitable receipt provided if requested, she said.
Special entertainment will feature local choirs including Soliloquy and the Wildrose Harmonizers among others, and, of course, Santa will visit.
“This is something that I have wanted to do for a number of years,” said Iviney, adding how critical the support and sponsorship of the Black Knight Inn, Stantec and IFR Workwear has been to putting the event on in the first place.
“I couldn’t do this without my sponsors and my amazing committee,” she said. “My opening line to everyone has been, ‘I don’t have the money to pay for this’ – and everyone has just stepped up to the plate.
“Everything has been wonderful – and it’s just getting a life of its own now.”
Ultimately, the community is invited to kick off the season by bringing a new unwrapped toy and enjoying breakfast and some Christmas spirit at the event.
“This is the first annual, but I’m sure it will go beyond the first one. I’m really hopeful.”
Red Deer continues to grow, and with that growth the community sees an increasing number of families that could use some help at Christmastime, she said. Last year the two main agencies helping Red Deer families at Christmas, the Red Deer Christmas Bureau and the Red Deer Salvation Army, served over 4,500 people.
That number is expected to grow this year. “It can be a really challenging time.”
Iviney said the Christmas Wish Breakfast will support both these agencies via the proceeds and by gathering donations of new toys for children.
“They both are very beneficial to the community.”
For more information, call Lynn Iviney at 403-392-9523 or find them on facebook at ‘1st annual Christmas Wish Breakfast in Red Deer’. Iviney did add that while their is no cost, there are tickets available at the Black Knight Inn to help staff with planning in terms of the numbers of guests.
mark.weber@reddeerexpress.com
