Scores of kids, as well as many adults, eagerly seized the chance to have pancakes with Santa Claus.
The children, with their parents in tow, came to the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre on Nov. 27 from 9 a.m. to noon for the very first Breakfast with Santa, an event sponsored by the Innisfail Kinsmen.
It was an opportunity for kids and adults to have a pancake breakfast together as a way to celebrate the start of the holiday season, and for the young ones to have a photograph taken with Santa.
“It has been quite a while since we have done anything with Santa, and we have a special relationship with Santa in that we are able to bring him down for an event like this,” said Russ Klemmer, past president of the local Kinsmen club. Klemmer said he was pleased with the turnout, considering it was the first time the club has organized the event.
“We probably have about 50 people go through and we've got two hours to go,” he said. “Innisfail as a community has always been supportive of all kinds of fundraising groups so I am not surprised.”
The breakfast also featured the club's 30th annual Grey Cup lottery, with funds raised going back into the community. As well, the event was another chance for the club to raise money for cystic fibrosis, a cause that is important for Kinsmen across the country.
“We are constantly raising funds for cystic fibrosis because Kin Canada is associated with cystic fibrosis as it is their charity of choice. All clubs help participate in that nationally,” said Klemmer.
Since 1964, Kin Canada has raised more than $42 million for cystic fibrosis research, clinical care and advocacy. Clubs across the country, including Innisfail's, raise money through golf tournaments, lotteries, telethons, galas, bake sales and bottle drives that goes towards finding a cure and to maintain awareness of the disease.
Russ Klemmer
"It has been quite a while since we have done anything with Santa, and we have a special relationship with Santa in that we are able to bring him down for an event like this."
