Santa Claus and special guest the Grinch are making a stop at the Mulhurst Bay Fire Department on Nov. 30.
For the cost of supporting a good cause, kids can get a digital photo in the firehouse with either Saint Nick himself or the big-hearted green grump from Whoville.
All proceeds from the event are being donated to the Firefighters Burn Treatment Unit at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton. The unit provides treatment, prevention, education, and rehabilitation to adults and children with thermal injuries.
There are 25 time slots of the photo booth, provided by Lil Peck Photography, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Mulhurst Bay fire hall, located at 2801 Range Road 281, Mulhurst, Alta.
The Grinch and Santa photoshoot fundraiser is the brain child of one of the fire department's members, Jessie Wagner.
For Wagner, who joined the Mulhurst Bay Fire Department a year ago, supporting the burn unit is a cause near and dear to her heart.
"I wanted to give back to the burn unit because I'm a burn survivor," said Wagner. "They saved my life."
On Aug. 31, 2019, Wagner suffered up to fourth degree burns over 30 per cent of her body in an explosion when someone added diesel fuel to a fire she and her husband were having on their property.
She spent a month in the burn unit, undergoing two graft surgeries due to infections, and she's still facing more surgeries in her future.
Because of both bacterial and fungal infections, she could have lost her legs - or her life - but due to the care she received, she has full use of her limbs today. Although she adds there is some stiffness at times.
"Occupational therapy at the burn unit were to thank for that," she said. "I was lucky."
For about three years now, Wagner has been dressing up as the Grinch for small functions in the community, such as giving horse-drawn carriage rides at Pigeon Lake.
She says it's a fun character to play and she enjoys "razzing" adults as the Grinch, too.
"Anything for fun because I've learned that life is too short."
Her own experience and her desire to help others inspired her to become a firefighter.
"I know how I felt in my moment of needing people and I want to be that person, giving back," said Wagner.
"I've been in that pain."
The photographer for the event, Grace Wahl, is also a volunteer firefighter, having joined the department about nine months ago with her husband.
Those who don't wish to have their photo taken but would like to support the cause are welcome to drop by and make a donation during the event, said Wagner.
Depending on how the photo shoot goes, they may make it an annual event, said Chief Wayne MacDonald..
The cost is $25 for a five-minute time slot.
Call or text 780-399-4841 to book a time.
