Hungry and Homeless to Get Helping Hand From Rotary Club’s Winter Wonderland
10 November 2008The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting colder, which can only mean one thing—the holiday season is just around the corner. With this joyous time quickly approaching, the Richmond Sunset Rotary Club is proud to invite the community to celebrate the spirit of cheer and giving at the 8th Annual Winter Wonderland at Richmond City Hall.
Winter Wonderland is comprised of themed trees sponsored and decorated by local businesses and community organizations on display from November 29 to December 31. Tree sponsors to date include generous individuals and organizations such as Aberdeen Centre, Coast Capital Savings, Coastal Pacific Contractors, HSBC, London Drugs, Penta Builders Group Inc. and others.
This fancy festival of firs will kick off on Saturday, Nov. 29 in the Richmond City Hall Galleria, located at 6911 No. 3 Road. Richmond’s Mayor and Councillors will be on hand for the official opening day lighting of the trees at 12:30 p.m. and the first two community Christmas concerts will be performed at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.
Six more weekend matinee performances by various local community groups are scheduled at the Galleria for everyone’s enjoyment, with shows starting at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on December 6, 13 and 20. While the concerts are free of charge, attendees are encouraged to make monetary donations to support those groups in their ongoing operation.
Everyone is welcome to the Winter Wonderland festival to enjoy the free matinee concerts and admire the beautifully decorated Christmas trees. The public can also cast votes for the best-dressed tree and enter to win a draw prize. Donations of non-perishable food items for the Richmond Food Bank are also encouraged.
With the funds raised by generous tree sponsors, the Richmond Sunset Rotary Club will provide support for two important causes:
- Richmond Women’s Resource Centre, which is building a homeless shelter for battered women and children;
- Richmond Christmas Fund, which is a program of Volunteer Richmond Information Services that ensures low-income families in Richmond enjoy fresh groceries and presents for their children for the holiday season.
“This community event is a unique opportunity to spend Christmas dollars in a very meaningful way,” says Linda Coyle, Chair of Winter Wonderland. “Especially in these uncertain economic times, there are those much less fortunate than ourselves. We all need to help those most in need, and we can do that by participating in this festival that provides fun and entertainment for all families.”
The Richmond Sunset Rotary Club is still looking for community organizations, businesses and individuals to support this important charitable event by sponsoring a Winter Wonderland tree or by making a donation. Sponsors receive significant benefits in supporting this community event. They will have an opportunity to showcase their organization at a high-profile venue. The display should be decorated in a winter holiday theme and can advertise the sponsor’s products, services and company logo.
Full tree sponsorships and co-sponsorships are available. Or in lieu of a tree, donations can be made and a tax receipt can be requested.
An official announcement of the best-dressed tree winners will be made in early January 2009. The Richmond Sunset Rotary Club will invite the top three winners to a dinner for an official presentation.
All tree sponsors will be recognized in the Richmond Review newspaper.
The 8th Annual Winter Wonderland is sponsored by the Vancouver International Airport Authority. Media sponsorship is provided by The Richmond Review, and the City of Richmond is a supporting partner.
For more information on the festival and details on tree sponsorship, please call Linda Coyle at 604-220-6856.
