The Halina Centre in Vernon invited community members to bring new, unwrapped presents for children in the area. The recent event saw Santa Claus overwhelmed by the generosity of the centre and its patrons, who donated more than 250 gifts.
Seniors who arrived with presents were entered into the centre’s raffle and bingo contest. The centre received items such as a $300 gift basket, a refurbished ornate birdhouse, and numerous unwrapped gifts for children up to age 18. Staff said they were overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who contributed to the first edition of the event and intend to make it an annual tradition. Vernon organization Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which builds beds and collects bedding for North Okanagan youth, also donated a pair of small, doll-sized beds.
The community event collected more than 250 unwrapped presents, thanks to the efforts of the Halina Activity Centre and representatives such as Nancy MacKinnon, Darcy Martin, and Al Beck.
The Halina Centre hosts several community events throughout the year and has a Christmas dinner scheduled for Dec. 10. The centre was also a proud recipient of the Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit People’s Choice Award this year.
Source: Roger Knox, Vernon Morning Star
