When people speak of Chestermere, it is often mentioned of what a caring and giving community it is. Nothing speaks more to that then seeing how Chestermarians take care of their own at the holiday season.
Seven years ago, the Town of Chestermere began an initiative called ‘Christmas With Dignity’. The Christmas With Dignity program goes way above and beyond what the name implies as it is a program that is ran year round that was set up with the sole purpose of helping those in Chestermere that find themselves in hard times and just need some support.
On Saturday December 6th, the Christmas With Dignity Celebration was held at Town Hall where there was lots to do, and all for a good cause. Children were escorted into the Childrens Christmas Store, where they could buy gifts for family and friends. The gifts were all donated by generous members of the community and the funds all went back to the Christmas With Dignity Program. As the Christmas Store was kids only, the grown-ups were left waiting in the foyer where they were treated to beautiful holiday music by the Chestermere High School band and Chestermere Middle School band, yummy hot chocolate and treats and also a silent auction where they could do some shopping of their own.
The event proved to be a huge success with 90 kids doing their holiday shopping in the store, approximately 250 people attending and over $3000 was raised!! Way to go Chestermere!!!
A special thank you goes to all the staff that organized and volunteered at the event, SYNERGY & YELL volunteers, the Town of Chestermere, community volunteers, the Chestermere High School Band, Miss Mel’s Parent Link Centre Music Class, the Chestermere Middle School Band, and of course, Santa.
If you’d still like to donate to the Christmas With Dignity program, they are still accepting items and funds until January. Please contact Jody Larsen at 403-207-7079 or JLarsen@chestermere.ca
