By Kim Hutchison
Staff Reporter:
On Christmas Eve volunteers gathered at the Ponoka Kinsmen Center to set up tables, tablecloths, place settings, centre pieces, treats, a craft table, numerous beautiful decorations, a performance stage and more in preparation for the 13th annual Ponoka Community Christmas which took place on Dec. 25 at 1 p.m. Sherri Mitchell, event coordinator, thought the afternoon was very enjoyable for all in attendance. “This year it went very well overall. We had about 125 people which is a good turnout. We’re so happy we can provide a place for people to go on this day,” she said. “Ponoka is quite the community and its spirit shined once again. So many stepped forward to help and really make Community Christmas happen.”
Those people include the numerous volunteers who tirelessly worked on every detail as previously mentioned, those who attended, those who entertained which included pattern dancers who put on a show and interacted with the crowd, people who played instruments, and the donors. This year the generous donations were provided by the Town of Ponoka, County of Ponoka, Birchland Dental Office, Anglican Church Ladies, Trinity Lutheran Church, Credit Union, Scholing’s Produce Ltd., Boston Pizza, Rimbey Pharmasave, Bargain Shop Rimbey, Rimbey Co-op, Ponoka Co-op Oils, Dairy Queen, Great Canadian Dollar Store, Your Dollar Store, Perry’s 2 for 1 Pizza, Royal Hotel, Crossroads Restaurant, A&W, Blue Ox, Sommer’s Home Hardware and the Royal Bank.
“Christmas truly was made so much better for all of us by their generosity, spirit and compassion. Without them it wouldn’t have been possible so thank you to all who made Christmas Day such a success” said Mitchell. “Christmas can be a lonely time so if you’re going to be sitting at home, you’re always invited to come here and enjoy what we have to offer. Community Christmas is meant to alleviate stress associated with the holidays often due to loneliness or the loss of a loved one and provide a welcoming place for people to go.”
This year, it sounds like the goal was achieved once again. Congratulations to everyone who took part in making such a wonderful event happen.
If any business would like to donate left over Christmas items, contact Sherri Mitchell at 403-843-3638. Old Christmas cards can be dropped off at the Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse as well.