A holiday celebration fit for everyone

Chestermere, AB –The Christmas with Dignity Celebration is a joyous holiday event with something for the whole family. This event not only brings fun activities to the community, but also allows us to give back to those less fortunate. The Celebration will be held December 12, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Municipal Building.
“Each year our Christmas with Dignity Committee comes together to coordinate activities through our Christmas with Dignity Celebration event that comes with a cost,” said Danielle Fermin, Christmas with Dignity spokesperson. That cost being awareness; that we do have neighbours and families in Chestermere, Langdon and SE Rocky View who experience hardships throughout the year. Our goal is not only raise awareness of the various needs in our community, but to ensure each family is gifted with dignity and security during the holidays and all year round.”
Attendees will be delighted by the musical talents of Chestermere Lake Middle School, Mel’s Parent Link Centre Musical Group, Chestermere High School Jazz Band, and the Aheer Studio of Performance. In the meantime little shoppers can browse the Christmas Store with one of Santa’s helpful elves and pick out new and like new items priced at $2 or $5 for parents and other family members.
While children are supervised by Santa’s helpers, parents and adults have the opportunity to bid on silent auction items until 1:30 p.m. We will also be encouraging flood affected residents who were not able to pick up decorations during the Neighbours Gifting Neighbours event, to stop by and a volunteer will assist them with replenishing some of their Christmas decorations.
After the kids finish shopping, families can make Christmas ornaments in the lobby. The man in red himself, Santa Clause, will also make an appearance from 11:30 a.m. – 12: 30 p.m. Face painting will also be available for all the good little boys and girls to showcase their Christmas spirit.
While fun will be had by all, all proceeds from the day will go towards very serious needs in our community. By donating to Christmas with Dignity, funding will be available to local individuals and families in need of basic support. Donations are allocated to medical, food, utility, housing assistance, children’s recreational expenses and other basic needs. Although Christmas is in the name and the majority of the funds are used during the holiday season, donations can be accessed at any time throughout the year when families in the community need assistance. Last year, the campaign raised $19,000 and over 30 families were supported through the Christmas Hamper program.
The Christmas season is a time of giving and spending time with those you care about. So this season why not give back to the community while enjoying a day filled with Christmas cheer and fun. We hope to see residents come out and share in this special Celebration and spread the Christmas spirit to families in need.
If you have any questions or would like to donate items for the Christmas Store or silent auction or if you are interested in volunteering for the event please call Community Services at (403) 207-8152.