‘Spirit of Christmas’ set to go Sunday

The 13th-annual “Spirit of Christmas” fundraiser, which will be held this Sunday from 4-8 p.m. at La Place Rendez-Vous, is nearly set to go.
Linda Hamilton, who sits on the organizing committee, said a lot of good items have been donated for the event.
“We have a beautiful basket made up of handmade, homemade chocolates,” she noted. “There are some paintings, some needlepoint, and a fair amount of quilts.
“So many great useful things for people to come bid on.”
Some of the live auction items include a large two-piece handmade dollhouse, complete with furniture, and a pool party at the local Super 8 motel.
Although Hamilton indicated donations were slightly down from last year as of this morning, she didn’t expect it to be by the end of the day.
She said people sometimes wait to the last minute to contribute and encouraged people not to “hold back.”
“My office is filled with lots of great things, but we can always use more,” she remarked. “And if anyone needs donations picked up, we can pick them up until tomorrow.”
Hamilton said the fundraiser will be run much the same as previous years, with the cost of admission just a toonie. There will be lots of prizes up for grabs.
The theme of the event, which again will feature both live and silent auctions, is “Memories.”
And since it is being held on Remembrance Day, the local Legion has donated poppies for everyone to wear.
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 expenses.
“Spirit of Christmas” raised about $15,000 last year.
“They are great organizations,” Hamilton enthused. “We hope a lot of people will come out to support them.”
Anyone still wanting to donate items can drop them off at Tichborne’s real estate office (576 Scott St.) or you can call Hamilton at 274-3221.