Organizers of the much loved Community Christmas are preparing in full speed for the event, which is set to be held at the Ponoka Legion this year.
For more than 15 years, the Community Christmas has been a time for folks to get together and enjoy some camaraderie and fellowship on Christmas Day. Time of the event this year is set for 10 a.m. to last until 2 p.m. said co-organizer Carla Prediger.
Due to the location change, the lunch that used to be held at the Kinsmen Community Centre is now being set up at the Legion and organizers are working on getting transportation for folks who cannot drive on their own. Anyone who needs a ride to the Legion can contact Ponoka Family and Community Support Services, who is working with the Wheelchair Van Society.
Free rides are available for residents at their homes with the van and people can contact FCSS at 403-783-4462.
The biggest need right now is donations.
Prediger says they are accepting donations at the Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse, or to the Ponoka Community Christmas account at Servus Credit Union or with Bob Hepp and Company Catering, who is preparing the meal.
The event will include a kids candy table and small gifts for children. Prediger said they are looking for musical entertainment to help create a fun and light atmosphere. “For most of us who get involved, it’s meeting such a need,” said Prediger in explaining why she enjoys taking part in organizing Community Christrmas.
“It’s morphed into this huge community event,” he added.
Prediger suggests it is an opportunity to give back and many residents will volunteer their time to help out. “We’ve got the people who need and the people who need to serve.”
There are spots available for volunteers, she added. Positions such as greeters, servers, cleanup crews and individual helpers are needed in two hour or four hour shifts.
For more information call Prediger at 403-783-4078 or Val Schabert at 403-783-8799.