Santa Claus Fund gearing up for Nov. 17 fundraiser
A small group of volunteers representing multiple businesses gathered at the Medicine Hat Lodge Saturday to decorate Christmas trees.
The fully-decorated trees will be sold on Nov. 17 with all of the proceeds going to the Medicine Hat Santa Claus Fund.
“This is us preparing for the second annual Spirit of Giving Gala,” said Santa Claus Fund executive director Deanna Doerksen. “All of the trees being decorated today will be auctioned off on Nov. 17 during the gala.”
There’s 10 trees sponsored by 10 businesses and Doerksen says she is hoping to have a big year.
“All of the money raised goes towards our organization,” she said. “Last year we raised just over $30,000 and we’re hoping we can do a little more than that this year.”
All of the trees are unique in their own ways and the businesses involved are Nathan Nunweiler from Investor’s Group, Red Velvet Hair and Body Bar, Post Card Portables, Scotiabank, Servus Credit Union, Methanex, Burns Valkenburg and Associates, Medicine Hat
News and Prairie Rose School Division.
The Scotiabank team is willing to match donations on their tree up to a maximum matched donation of $15,000.
“Last year we got involved as a team at one of the intake programs where the families come in and get their gifts from the Santa Claus Fund and it just pulled at our heart strings,” said downtown Scotiabank branch manager Nicole Pituley. “I knew that we needed to get involved more and help the people in our community a little more, that’s why we’re willing to match the donation this year.”
The gala starts at 6 p.m. on the 17th and tickets cost $75. Each ticket comes with a three-course meal, wine and The Chevelles will be providing entertainment for the evening.
Tickets can be purchased at the Medicine Hat Lodge or online at — www.eventbrite.ca/e/spiritof-giving-gala-tickets50367569757