Organizers are gearing up for another “Spirit of Christmas” later this month, with this year’s event marking the 10th anniversary of the annual fundraiser.
“Things are starting to come in already,” said Linda Hamilton, who sits on the organizing committee.
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.
And this year they need it more than ever, Hamilton said.
“We’ve had lots of requests this fall,” she said of the Community Chest, noting there are local families seeking treatment in Winnipeg and London, Ont.
Last year’s event raised about $13,000 despite an untimely snowstorm that prevented some people from coming out.
As in past years, the “Spirit of Christmas” will feature a silent auction for crafts and handmade items donated by local residents. But people also can expect to see a few changes.
“We’ll be having a live auction as well as a silent auction,” Hamilton noted, adding Telford Advent has agreed to donate his time for the evening.
One of the larger items up for bid will be a full-size, fully-decorated Christmas tree.
This year’s auction also will feature three-foot trees decorated by volunteers. Half of the trees were donated by Canadian Tire.
A queen-sized quilt, donated by Thimbleberry’s Quilting Club, will be raffled off, and participants can enter their names for door prizes or the Chinese auction.
Typically, the event features 250-300 handcrafted items, said Hamilton, with 300-350 people coming out to take part in the festivities.
Donations can be dropped off at Tichborne’s Real Estate (576 Scott St.) or Northwoods Gallery and Gifts (273 Scott St.)
Hamilton said she hopes all donations will be in by Nov. 26, but noted they will continue to accept items up until the day of the event.
The 10th-annual “Spirit of Christmas” will be held upstairs at La Place Rendez-Vous on Sunday, Nov. 28 beginning at 6 p.m. Admission is $2.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
