Don’t miss your chance for some family-friendly holiday fun just as most kids are set to begin their Christmas vacation.
John and Shaina Pirri, owners of Bradford business Magical Events, are inviting everyone to attend their second annual Christmas family event in support of WOW Living from 4 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 20 in WOW’s wing of 177 Church St. in Bradford.
The evening is set to include a meet and greet with Santa Claus, a Frozen experience with Elsa, Anna and Olaf, Christmas crafts, a colouring contest, cookie decorating, carnival games, face painting, gymnastics and a silent auction.
“What better way to start the Christmas holidays than attending a family fun event in support of providing families in need of a little Christmas joy. It’s a win-win for everyone,” Cassidy Hilliard, WOW Living’s communications manager, said via email.
She’s also helping Magical Events plan the occasion again this year through her own business, Hillside Charity Events.
If all that fun works up an appetite, Big Z’s food truck is also expected be on site selling fries, chicken fingers, poutine and hot dogs.
Hilliard emphasized WOW Living is “so grateful” to the Pirris and Magical Events for putting on the event at no charge to the charity.
“Without the generosity of local businesses we wouldn't be able to continue to provide resources to under-resourced people,” she said.
Donations made to WOW Living can include covering a few nights at a hotel for someone experiencing homelessness, putting gas in the car to get them to appointments or providing them with a cup of coffee, groceries, or a meal. But the money also helps with direct operating cost like staff and training, according to Hilliard.
Last year, the Pirris were inspired to create the event to help WOW Living complete the renovations on their new space in the town’s hub.
“We followed the charity closely and saw their need for funds to help bring their visions to life. We are in the field of fun, so it was a no-brainer to create an event that allowed families to come enjoy some holiday fun while also raising money for a cause,” the Pirris said via email.
This year, they’re hoping to support WOW Living’s A Hand Up Christmas Wishlist, fulfilling the wishes of Bradford children, families and seniors in need, because “everyone deserves a little Christmas cheer.”
Last year’s event raised $1,960 and Hilliard said they’re hoping to raise $2,500 this year, as they’re already getting close to selling out again.
The cost of entry is $5 per person and tickets are only intended to be available ahead of time on the Eventbrite website.
However, if any tickets are still available by the day of, Hilliard hopes to make them available at the door by cash only.
All proceeds are intended to go to the wishlist program, and anything remaining may be used for the charity’s other programs, including the Out of the Cold Cafe providing meals, A Hand Up Clothing Room providing clothing, and also an “extreme cold” overnight warming centre from November to the end of April for any night temperatures drop below -10 Celsius.
As a charitable organization, WOW Living aims to provide people living in poverty with the tools and resources they need to increase resiliency, and in addition to current services, is also working on an affordable-housing project.
For more information, visit wow-living.ca.
