You can really feel the giving spirit in South Simcoe.
From a free turkey dinner to an annual toy drive, residents are finding numerous creative ways to be generous this weekend. Combine that with a good dumping of snow, and it is certainly beginning to feel a lot like the holiday season around these parts.
Here’s what’s happening in Bradford and Innisfil in the coming days:
Read to some furry friends
Paws for Reading, which is geared toward children in grades 1 to 5, takes place in the Jamal Pascal Room at the BWG Public Library (425 Holland St. W.) Saturday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. to noon. Kids will have the chance to practice their reading skills with a St. John Ambulance therapy dog. This is for readers who need a cute and non-judgemental four-legged listener.
Get help with whatever ails you
The Innisfil ideaLAB and Library will host its inaugural Social Services Fair at the Lakeshore branch (967 Innisfil Beach Rd.), Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Connect with local resources, services, and organizations that can support your well-being. With a range of service providers on site, you can access information and assistance in support of housing, health care, employment, education, and legal aid. There are resources for all ages, with organizations like the Alzheimer Society of Canada, New Path Youth and Family Services and the Town of Innisfil in attendance. Workshops on mental health, resume writing and taking a citizenship test are also planned. To register for these workshops, or for more information, visit innisfilidealab.ca/social-services.
Take a trip to Friday Harbour
Celebrate the magic of the season at the Innisfil resort’s European-style holiday market Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 7 and 8). It features a 40-foot tree, twinkling lights and décor, and chalet cabins offering festive treats and holiday gifts. There will also be photo-ops with Santa and his elves from noon to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m., kids programming and activities at Santa’s workshop from 3 to 4 p.m., and carollers and a live disc jockey at the Snow Globe from 2 to 8 p.m. While there, donate to Friday Harbour’s annual toy drive, which benefits Community for Kids. Donations of unwrapped toys will be accepted in the Piazza on the Promenade.
Hey, turkey
Join the St. Peter's Anglican Church community for a free turkey dinner at 6254 Yonge St. in Churchill Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. Turkey will be served with all the trimmings including tea, coffee or water. This is a free will offering only, and the church supports the Innisfil Food Bank so any non-perishable donations would be appreciated. For more details, email [email protected] or visit www1.stpeterschurchill.org/parish-home/.
Light up the fire hall
The Stroud Volunteer Firefighters Association at the Town of Innisfil’s Station 3 (2394 Victoria St.) will host their annual tree-lighting ceremony on Saturday at 7 p.m. There will be hot chocolate, pizza, subs, wings, fries and Timbits. Santa Claus will also stop by to visit with families and take photos. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event.
Got an upcoming event or news tip to share? Email it to [email protected].