A Winter Wonders holiday celebration will be taking place in support of programs at Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Community Services.
The festivities are open to the entire community, and will feature an artisan market, live performances, children’s entertainment, a food truck, and the Community Services’ signature event, the Shop With A Purpose Silent Auction.
“Last year we served 28,000 individuals, so it’s almost 25 per cent of the population of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows,” said Heather Walker, manager of fund development at Community Services, noting that demand for their services continues to grow.
More than 40 per cent of the programs at Community Services rely on fundraising through grant writing, donations, and fundraisers like this, said Walker. Programs like Alisa’s Wish Child and Youth Advocacy Centre, the Daddy and Me program, Family Place, Restorative Justice, counselling programs, and a lot of the seniors programming.
“This fundraiser is a celebration of community generosity and the compassion that allows us to continue offering vital support to those who need it most,” added Walker.
The event started 23 years ago with a Country Christmas Concert at The ACT Arts Centre and the following year organizers added the silent auction component to the fundraiser.
In the years since there has only been the silent auction, which last year raised $10,000 for the organization.
This year organizers wanted to go big.
Entry will be by donation at the Winter Wonders Community Celebration on Saturday, Nov. 29.
There will be a free raffle draw at the family-friendly event and children will have the opportunity to win a children’s gift basket.
A variety of entertainment will perform during the event including the cusqunela Elementary School choir and Sandra Taylor, who will be performing the harp with a friend.
Flash tattoos and tarot card readings will be taking place, and the Maple Ridge Public Library will be conducting a story time.
Reel Mac and Cheese food truck will be parked in the side parking lot and from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. there will be face painting.
Santa Claus will also be making a surprise visit.
The event is taking place from noon until 4 p.m. at Community Services main office, 22768 119 Ave., Maple Ridge.
“We’re excited that our community is going to join us,” said Walker. “We’re just looking forward to greeting the public, we want them to come out and enjoy themselves,” she said.