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2005 News and Information
Rotary’s Winter Wonderland to Benefit Local Community
21 November 2005Richmond’s Winter Wonderland will celebrate its fifth year of bringing the Sights and Sounds of the holiday season to City Hall beginning in late November.
Winter Wonderland, which is presented by the Richmond Sunset Rotary Club, will kick off on Saturday, November 26 at 3:00 p.m., with the first of a series of community Christmas concerts in the Galleria of Richmond City Hall, 6911 No. 3 Road. Six more weekend matinee concerts are scheduled at the Galleria for the enjoyment of the community with shows beginning at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on December 3, 10 and 17, with various local community groups performing. While the concerts are free of charge, attendees are encouraged to make monetary donations to support those groups in their ongoing operation.
In addition, up to 30 trees decorated by local businesses or community organizations will be on display in the City Hall Galleria from November 26 to December 31, with an opening day “lighting” ceremony presided over by Mayor and Councillors at 1:30 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to the Winter Wonderland festival to admire the beautifully-decorated Christmas trees and enjoy the free matinee concerts. The public can cast votes for the “best-dressed” tree and enter to win a prize from a lucky draw. Winners will be announced in early January 2006 in The Richmond Review. Donations of non-perishable food items for the Richmond Food Bank are also encouraged.
“In five short years, Winter Wonderland has become a holiday season tradition in Richmond,” says Magdalen Leung, Chair of the Winter Wonderland event. “It is a great event the whole family can enjoy, while also supporting local charities.”
This year the Richmond Sunset Rotary Club will be supporting the Rosewood Manor, which provides 24/7 nursing care to seniors in our community. The Rosewood Manor Care Foundation is in the midst of a major fundraising campaign to furnish 36 rooms for seniors with special needs who require professional and comprehensive support services. Each of these 36 rooms will provide a comfortable home-setting environment, paying special attention to safety and security for these residents. In order to complete the project in April 2006, Rosewood Manor is required to raise a total of $220,000.
This year’s festival is co-sponsored by the Vancouver International Airport Authority and The Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel. Media sponsorship is provided by The Richmond Review, and the City of Richmond is a supporting partner.
Businesses and community organizations are being sought to support this fun, charitable event by sponsoring a Christmas tree in the Winter Wonderland display. A significant benefit package is offered to sponsors. For details on tree sponsorship call Magdalen Leung at 604-214-8833.
