The local Canadian Cancer Society already is gearing up for the seventh-annual “Spirit of Christmas” silent auction fundraiser.
“We’ve started already. It’s kind of a kick-off to the Christmas season,” said Linda Hamilton, one of the event organizers.
Volunteers have been busy sending out notices and drawing up posters to promote the event, which is slated for Sunday, Nov. 25 at La Place Rendez-Vous starting at 6 p.m.
“Our theme this year is ‘Winter Wonderland’ and as always, we’re looking for any donated items,” noted Hamilton.
The popular fundraiser once again will feature many items up for bid. While it’s far too early to list them all, previous years have featured wall hangings, afghans, sweaters, paintings, prints, tabletop trees, wooden crafts, and merchandise from local businesses.
Anyone wanting to donate an item can call Hamilton at 274-8782, or Elsie Cameron at 274-3518.
While half of this year’s proceeds will go to the Canadian Cancer Society, the other half will go the “Community Chest,” a fund set up for local families with emergency medical needs.
Last year’s “Spirit of Christmas” raised about $30,000, and Hamilton said she hopes to keep the ball rolling with this community’s impressive support for the cause.
“The fellow from the Canadian Cancer Society we met with [Thursday] said that because of the success of the ‘Spirit of Christmas,’ ‘Curling for Cancer,’ and our annual drive, we’ve given more per capita than any other place in Ontario,” she noted.
“If we added the money raised for cancer all up, including the [recent] CIBC Run for the Cure and Terry Fox Run, which don’t go towards the Canadian Cancer Society, it’s phenomenal,” added Hamilton.
Fort Frances Times
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