A festive event that gives back to the community has returned to kick off the holiday season with pancakes, syrup, and sausages.
An environment of cheer
The Winkler Christmas Cheerboard’s Holly Jolly Breakfast happens on Saturday, November 2nd at Central Station in Winkler.
“I really like seeing all the people that come out and join us for that,” says Lori Derksen of Winkler Christmas Cheerboard. “We have some really great . . . local talent giving us some entertainment for the morning.”
Between the timeless breakfast, the good music, and the pleasant company, the Holly Jolly Breakfast is sure to ring in the holiday spirit.
A new approach
The meal is a fundraiser for Winkler’s cheer board, which, over the years, has made a few changes to how it operates.
“We are looking for financial donations, which is a bit of a switch-up,” says Derksen. “[Donations] help purchase gift cards for families that are applying for hampers just to help them out in the Christmas season.”
Winkler Cheerboard is also collecting monetary donations to use for the purchase of toys for children.
The Holly Jolly Breakfast runs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday.
A season of generosity
For those who can’t make breakfast on Saturday, Winkler Christmas Cheerboard will continue its season of connecting community and raising funds for its operations with two other events in November.
On Friday, November 15th, there will be a fundraising supper from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Emmanuel Mennonite Church in Winkler.
“On the menu is . . . ham, mashed potatoes, baked beans, coleslaw, buns, and dessert,” says Derksen. “The church approached us and asked if we would be willing to have them host a fundraising supper.”
Derksen says that the cheer board was “thrilled” and “grateful” that the church was interested in supporting it.
“It's overwhelming in a sense that people are reaching out to us and saying, ‘We think this is important for our community and we want to come alongside you and help out with that,’” she says, adding that it’s also encouraging to see community members band together for a common purpose.
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This same structure of joining together for a goal is also present in Holiday Smile Cookie Week at Tim Hortons from November 18th to the 24th, with which the Winkler Christmas Cheerboard is also involved.
“That's when you want to head to Tim Hortons to buy those smile cookies and support the cheer board,” says Derksen.
During Holiday Smile Cookie week, while the purchase of just one treat makes a difference, there is also the option of bulk orders. Placing a bulk order has the double benefit of providing community members with a special Christmas and also treating families, staff, or friends to a sweet snack.
Hundreds of hampers
Winkler Christmas Cheerboard’s fundraising has a significant effect. Last year, the organization provided hampers to 397 families and toys to 746 children.
It’s a heart-warming process that helps people as much as it inspires them to help.
“It can be really impactful, and specifically for people that have delivered hampers before, a lot of them will come back with stories saying, ‘Wow, that that really impacted me. The family was really grateful for the gift cards for the gifts for the kids, especially in a time of need,’” says Derksen. “We've [also] had families come back to us and say, ‘I needed a hamper in past years and this year, I don't,’ and that's also really cool [to hear].”
Derksen says that although the cheer board is always willing to help, it’s also “exciting” when families no longer need assistance because they are in a more stable place.
Anyone who would like to donate to Winkler Christmas Cheerboard online is invited to click on the red button on its website.
“There's also a meter there showing where our fundraising is at,” says Derksen. “Currently it's at zero. As we begin to receive donations, that number will start to rise. Our goal for the year is $130,000. If donating online doesn't work for you or your situation, our address is on our website as well. You are more than welcome to send a cheque or cash in the mail.”
If you’re able to, help Winkler Christmas Cheerboard break its record of generosity this year. Every bit matters.
With files from Ty Hildebrand and Jayme Giesbrecht