By Sam Donnelly
For Ponoka News
Ponoka Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is giving Ponoka residents a chance at a much-needed night out, or a cozy night in this holiday season. As part of FCSS’s Cozy Christmas 2021, anyone who signed up before Nov. 30 will receive a gift basket containing either a pair of pajamas, slippers or gloves, along with some pancake mix, popcorn and some Hickory Farm treats.
“It’s just a little bit of magic in a world that’s a little tough right now,” said Shelly Van Eaton, program coordinator for Ponoka FCSS.
Ponoka Businesses are also getting in on the holiday cheer.
Ponoka dentist Dr. Leslie Gill will be providing toothbrushes to basket recipients this year.
Boston Pizza will also be offering a chance for guests to purchase a pair of pajamas, gloves or slippers for a person in need.
According to Van Eaton, businesses like Red Apple and Boston Pizza have also done their part to help with fundraising for FCSS’s work.
For those looking for a long-awaited night out, FCSS has been holding Lucky Duck draws with prizes ranging from theatre tickets to gift cards. There is a still unknown grand prize, soon to be announced by FCSS.
Other than the grand prize, entrants have won items such as theatre tickets to the winner’s choice of performances at the Cow Patti Theatre in Lacombe, Jubilations Dinner Theatre in Edmonton and the Mayfield theatre, also in Edmonton.
Examples of shows going on this season are, but are not limited, to Kristen Da Silva’s Sugar Road, a country music show playing at the Cow Patti Theatre this November and December.
If country music is not your thing, Jubilations will be performing a tribute to the women of 1980s pop music in their “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” dinner theatre, playing from now until Jan. 23, 2022.
There are lots of other prizes including tickets to use a golfing simulator or tickets to a Red deer Rebels game.
The entry period for Cozy Christmas registration has now ended. FCSS volunteers and staff are currently working on getting the baskets ready to give out to those who signed up for a cozy Christmas treat.
Van Eaton made sure to mention that these events and giveaways are not charity from FCSS. They are FCSS’ gift to the community.
In years past, this gift would take the form of going to an event or doing some sort of large meal, but with the current COVID-19 restrictions, an event isn’t possible.
Though this may not be charity, Van Eaton said that she does hope that events and giveaways like this will help people get in touch with FCSS and maybe even use some of the resources available they have available.