Innisfail Kinsmen host Breakfast with Santa

INNISFAIL – Santa Claus greeted dozens of Innisfail and area families during the Breakfast with Santa at the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre.

The annual event is hosted by the Innisfail Kinsmen Club and raises funds for cystic fibrosis.

This year's event took place Nov. 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

“We've had about 75 paid visitors so far today. All children aged two and under are free. We think we've served just over 100 people in total,” said Jamie Dawdry, president of the Innisfail Kinsmen Club. “This is our third annual Breakfast with Santa.”

Last year the Innisfail Kinsmen Club raised $250 for cystic fibrosis, said Dawdry, noting with the good turnout this year they hoped to raise about the same.

The breakfast has been well attended in the past, he added, and is an important fundraiser for a good cause.

“Kin Canada is a proud donor to Cystic Fibrosis Canada. Our major donation as a club is to CF,” he said, noting that throughout the year they collect donations for cystic fibrosis from the public at all events, including the Breakfast with Santa.

Kin Canada has been supporting cystic fibrosis for many years, noted Dawdry, and has raised millions of dollars across the country for research and patient care.

He said the annual event is a success every year, due in part to the volunteers who help make and serve the pancake breakfast and help with cleanup as well.

This year the Bow-Inn 4-H Beef Club members were volunteering their time.

“They are a big part of this event. I think we have about a dozen kids today helping out. They're great kids,” he said. “We also have (local) sponsors that help us put this event on.”

Dawdry said it was great to see the support from the community.

“We've seen a number of families come out. We're really happy with the turnout,” said Dawdry. “We hope to see this event grow in the future and hopefully we can see this turn into a staple event in our community.”