The community came out in full support of the Winkler and District Christmas Cheerboard this past weekend.
Saturday morning's Holly Jolly Breakfast at Central Station kicked off the fundraising season. Combined with a $3000 contribution from Scotia Bank, a total of $9,566 was raised.
Lori Derksen, spokesperson for the Cheerboard said the second event of the weekend, the Flyers vs Fire Charity Classic, also brought many supporters into the stands of Winkler's Centennial Arena.
"It was a really exciting afternoon," said Derksen. "A lot of people came out, there was a lot of buzz in the air, and a lot of excitement at the game...The Fire Department really takes initiative on this for us and they do a great job of planning this event. It's the second time around, and I'd say it was a roaring success."
The Winkler Flyers edged the Fire Fighters 10 - 9 in a shoot-out.
Winkler Mayor Henry Siemens was at the Holly Jolly Breakfast with his family, as well as Sunday's Charity Classic, and said it's great to see the community come out in support of such an important organization.
"And this year in particular, as we continue to hear of inflation and rising costs, and maybe not everybody having enough and to have an organization like the Cheerboard to step in and make sure that everyone has a good Christmas, is really important," said Siemens. "And then to have the Community support it in this way, it's gratifying. It's really, really good to see."
Funds brought in from the Charity Classic are still being calculated.
Derksen said both events this weekend have given the Cheerboard an excellent start to their total fundraising goal of $130,000. She said they anticipate blessing at least 400 families with a hamper this Christmas.
- With files from Nicole Klassen and Ronny Guenther -
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