The Holy Martyrs of Japan Catholic Women’s League has found a way to not only raise funds for its church and charities, but to brighten up November with a taste of the coming holiday season.
The Splendour of Christmas Bazaar is a community event that provides something for everybody — literally.
Not only are there White Elephant treasures to be found, from jewellery to children’s toys, there are tables of used books, religious items, hand-knit and crocheted wearables, baked goods, preserves, Christmas cards, wrapped and ready to give gift baskets for any budget, a hearty soup-and-sandwich luncheon, and even house plants.
Laddie Balon, 94, has been the organizer of the plant sale for years.
“My daughter, she brought the most plants, and some people brought some, but the biggest part is from me and my daughter,” said Balon.
Succulents, spider plants, jade trees — “we need green inside,” Balon said, “because it’s starting to be white outside!”
There was a brief snow shower on Saturday, when the two-day bazaar opened, but inside the parish hall at Holy Martyrs of Japan, everything was warm and inviting, decorated with Christmas cheer, and filled with the splendour of the season.
