‘Spirit of Christmas’ deemed another success

A change in date and time appeared to have only a positive effect on the 12th-annual “Spirit of Christmas” this year.
The event, typically held on the last Sunday of November, was held two weeks earlier and began at 4 p.m. as opposed to later in the evening.
“We didn’t really know how people would react,” admitted Linda Hamilton, who sits on the organizing committee. “It went very well.”
The fundraiser brought in nearly $13,000, to be split between the local branch of the Canadian Cancer Society and the local “Community Chest,” which raises money to help local families facing medical bills.
“That’s within about $75 of last year,” Hamilton noted.
In past years, the “Spirit of Christmas” committee held one large draw for a quilt, selling tickets for weeks in advance. But this year, they had a number of draws but only sold tickets at the event.
“So actually, we were up,” Hamilton said.
She noted the committee received about 190 donations of crafts, goody baskets, gift certificates, and other items to be sold at the silent auction.
A number of items also were available through a live auction, run by local auctioneer Telford Advent.
“I think we probably had fewer donations, which was in some ways better, because I think you get better dollars sometimes than for what is there,” Hamilton noted.
“I thought it was very successful, and a lot of fun,” echoed Elsie Cameron, who also sits on the organizing committee. “All the people who donated, it was just outstanding.”
It also was encouraging to see people bring their children and let them make bids on some items, as well.
“The mood was very good. It was a very nice afternoon,” Cameron said.
Hamilton said the committee likely will stick with the new date and time for next year’s “Spirit of Christmas.”
“I think we’ve decided we like the earlier date and earlier time,” she noted. “I think it suits more people to have it earlier in the day.”
The event wraps up earlier, so volunteers and participants aren’t so tired at the end of the day.
“And it was certainly better weather than we’ve had,” she added.
An important contributor to the success of the event is Georges Blanc and La Place Rendez-Vous.
“The Rendez-Vous is so wonderful to have us there. They don’t charge us anything. They have donated that for 11 years,” Hamilton said.
The staff also donated their time.
The committee also extended its thanks to those who contributed items for the auctions, and to the people who came out Sunday to make the event a success once again.