'Tis the Season of Giving

With so much change for the residents of Wood Buffalo, there is an increased need for support.  By giving your time or by donating items, you can help out in a big way.

The Wood Buffalo Food Bank always has a need for volunteers.  You could sort and stock food items, ensure food hasn’t expired, volunteer for events and so much more!  Volunteer hours are between 9 am and 8 pm Monday to Friday and the second Saturday of each month from 9 am to 4 pm.  You can find out more by calling Anna at 780-743-1125 ext. 228 or by visiting: http://www.woodbuffalofoodbank.com/.

Santas Anonymous is once again being organized by the students and staff at Father Mercredi High School. If you are looking for a way to help, please consider making a donation on their donation page, dropping off some needed toys (a list of which can be found on the wish list page) or by referring a family on the referral page (the deadline for referrals is by the end of day on November 21).  For more information, please visit: https://sites.google.com/a/fmcsd.ab.ca/fmsantas/. 

The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers for their Christmas Kettle Campaign.  Shifts are a commitment of 2 hours.  To find out more, contact Verna by calling 587-646-0981 or emailing verna_thomas@can.salvationarmy.org. 

The Centre of Hope has volunteer opportunities on a regular basis.  Volunteers do need to be over 18 years of age.  To find out more about volunteering, please call Danielle Stagg at 780-743-3912 ext. 227.  If you wanted to donate some items to the Centre of Hope, fresh fruit, hot chocolate and coffee are always appreciated!  The hours of operation are 8:30 am-4:30 pm, 7 days a week, the office is closed for lunch from 11:30 am-12:30 pm.  For more details about their services and programs, you can visit their website by following the link: http://fmcentreofhope.com/. 

The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo believes in connecting citizens through volunteering. Wood Buffalo offers many events and programs that would not be possible without the support and dedication of volunteers.  You can register to volunteer for some of the following upcoming events including the Santa Claus Parade and Lights of Christmas or WinterPLAY.  To find out more or to register, please visit http://www.rmwb.ca/living/Events-and-Festivals/Volunteering-for-Municipal-Events.htm. 

These are just a few ways you can get involved and help brighten the lives of those in our communities. I think the following quote by Aesop sums things up nicely, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” 

Three Great Events to Ring in the Holiday Season.

Get ready for three great events to ring in the holiday season. Join us this December for Santa Claus Parade and Lights of Christmas, presented by Country 93.3. Come down to the Elves’ Workshop at the Wood Buffalo Regional Library, our community partner.

We’ll be having ourselves a Holly, Jolly Christmas this year.

Elves’ Workshop

Presented by the Wood Buffalo Regional Library, kids can become an honorary Santa’s elf by visiting different activity stations. Receive an elf certificate after completing your elf passport and be entered to win a gift basket. Activity stations will include, games, Spin the Elf, Elf Plinko, Elf Match Up, Elf Booger, Reading with Santa, Elf on the Shelf Search, cookie decorating, hot chocolate and crafts. Other elements available are face painting and two performances of Yuletide Yeti presented by Odd-Lot Puppetry Co. at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. (limited space for each show).

Location: Wood Buffalo Public Library (MacDonald Island Park, 1 C.A. Knight Way, Fort McMurray) 

Time: Noon to 4:30 p.m.

Find out more about the Elves' Workshop at wbrl.ca/events

Lights of Christmas

This year we’re starting a new holiday tradition as we host Lights of Christmas in Jubilee Plaza.

The Lights of Christmas event officially kicks off the holiday season with a family bonfire, hot chocolate, caroling, ice skating (weather permitting) and a visit from the Mayor and Santa. 

This is an opportunity to gather prior to the Santa Claus Parade and celebrate the holiday season.

Location: Jubilee Plaza (9909 Franklin Ave., Fort McMurray) 

Time: 5 p.m.

Santa Claus Parade

Watch Santa and his helpers as they float through downtown Fort McMurray for this annual Christmas tradition. The theme of this year’s parade is Holly Jolly Christmas.

Location: Franklin Avenue (from Prairie Loop Boulevard to Riedel Street).

Time: 6:30 p.m.

Follow us on Social Media

Twitter: @RMWoodBuffalo   Facebook: RMWB

For more information please visit www.rmwb.ca/living/Events-and-Festivals/Santa-Claus-Parade-Presented-by-Country-93-3.htm  

Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Santa Claus Parade-Volunteer or Register a Christmas Float

Want to get on Santa’s ‘Nice’ list this Christmas? Volunteer and float registration opens today for this year’s Santa Claus Parade & Lights of Christmas presented by Country 93.3.

“We’re inviting volunteers to register for the parade and get the best seat in the house as Santa makes his way through downtown Fort McMurray,” said Parade coordinator, Megan Stringer. “This is also a great opportunity for community groups and businesses to register a float and be seen in the parade.” The theme of this year’s parade is ‘Holly Jolly Christmas.’

Every year, the local volunteer community has been helping the Santa Claus Parade
festivities to be a success. More than 50 floats participated in last year’s Parade, and
nearly 5,000 spectators came out to see Santa. December 5^th is going to be a festive day in Fort McMurray with the Santa Claus Parade starting at 6:30 p.m., and the Lights of Christmas in Jubilee Plaza at 5 p.m. Residents are also invited to visit the Elves’ Workshop, hosted by the Wood Buffalo Regional Library at MacDonald Island Park from 12:00 – 4:30 p.m.

To volunteer, register a float, or find out more, visit www.rmwb.ca/santa, or email
megan.stringer@rmwb.ca.

Registration is open until November 23^rd. For additional details please contact Megan Stringer, megan.stringer@rmwb.ca or visit http://www.rmwb.ca/santa.