Even last weekend's bitter cold temperatures couldn't stop St. Albert's fourth annual Volunteer Fair from being a huge success.
Pat Phelan, director of volunteer centre services at the Community Information and Volunteer Centre, said that there isn't anything that can hold back the caring, giving people of the city. Not even a brutal cold snap.
"It was really good, especially when you consider how freezing it was. I was amazed at the number of people that were there, the number of organizations that showed up," she exclaimed.
The event was held for only three hours on Saturday at Servus Credit Union Place. The multi-purpose recreation facility often has a strong concentration of people involved in activities ranging from watching sports to exercising to having a leisurely swim. Instead of taking advantage of all of those opportunities, she said that a lot of the attendees were only present for one reason.
"The people were there for the volunteer fair, which pleased me to death."
All in all, there were booths for about 50 agencies and groups, including the Salvation Army. The local church just launched its annual Christmas Kettle campaign last Friday as a fundraiser to help support its numerous social programs.
This year's goal is $275,000. Organizers and officials with the church believe that it's entirely possible, just as long as there are enough volunteers to tend the kettles.
"We need lots of volunteers," explained family services director Marcia Berrisford. "If we could get 50 more volunteers that would be great!"
The Christmas Kettle campaign runs until Dec. 24 with stations set up in St. Albert and Spruce Grove
Donations can be made with cash or credit cards.
The Salvation Army Corps and Community Centre is located at 165 Liberton Dr. For more information or to volunteer, call 780-458-1937.
For information on other volunteer opportunities call the CIVC at 780-459-6666 or visit www.stalbertcivc.com.
Seniors' Club hosting ‘fun'draisers
There's going to be a lot of people kicking up their heels and putting down their bids in a few days. The St. Albert Senior Citizens' Club is hosting a Club Dance and Silent Auction Benefit on Friday. Entertainment will be provided by Dance Company.
Tickets are $10 for members but others are $25 each and that includes a $15 charitable tax receipt. All proceeds go towards programs in the club.
On Saturday, Dec. 10, the centre hosts two Santa's Breakfasts. The morning event runs from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. with a second seating from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There will be activities including a meet and greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus and cookie decorating among others. Pancakes will be served.
"That's going to be a fun one," stated executive director Chantelle Lebrecque. She is hoping that all of these events stand out as hallmarks of the club and staples on the city's social calendar.
Tickets are $10 per person.
The week after the breakfast, there will also be a Bright Lights Tour of the Legislature Grounds and Candy Cane Lane. That takes place on Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 5:30 p.m.
Call 780-459-0433 or visit www.stalbertseniorsclub.org for more details.
