‘Spirit of Christmas’ to be earlier this year

Seen by some as the kick-off to the holiday season in this area, those looking forward to the annual “Spirit of Christmas” this year had better mark Sunday, Nov. 12 on their calendars.
Linda Hamilton, who sits on the organizing committee, said yesterday that this is a change from previous years, when the annual fundraiser consistently was held on the last Sunday in November.
“We’re going to try and hit some better weather,” she noted. “We’re also trying to stay out of the way of the Grey Cup, because it’s in Winnipeg.”
She added the start time also will be moved up from 6 p.m. to 4 p.m., hoping that by holding it earlier in the day, the already-popular fundraiser will draw even more people.
“There still will be a little bit of daylight. Maybe we’ll get some more people who would normally be at home by that time,” said Hamilton. But she added “everything else will pretty much remain the same” as previous years.
It will cost a toonie to get in, there will be lots of prizes and door prizes, and, of course, the event will feature both live and silent auctions for crafts and handmade items donated by local residents.
Hamilton said a theme has been established for this year’s popular fundraiser and everyone is welcome to donate items to it.
“It’s our 12th year and we’re going to do ‘The 12 Years of Christmas.’ We’re just sort of leaving it open to anything and everything,” she remarked.
The variety of auction items in the past has ranged from quilts, paintings, teddy bears, and Christmas trees to wood crafts, knitting, baking, and stained glass.
Donations can be dropped off at Tichborne’s real estate office (576 Scott St.)
As in past years, all funds raised will be divided between the local branch of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Fort Frances “Community Chest,” which raises money to help local families facing medical bills.
Hamilton noted that letters notifying regular “Spirit of Christmas” attendees and donors of the time and date of the fundraiser normally would have been sent out by now, but the mailing list has been lost due a “computer glitch.”
“We’re working on it,” said Hamilton, stressing those people haven’t been forgotten and that one way or another, invitations will be sent out in the coming weeks.