A group of local singers and musicians who raised nearly $4,000 for Fort McMurray wildfire victims are at it again – this time for the Christmas Angels.
Musicians from Olds, Bowden, Sundre and Carstairs are getting together Nov. 25 in the Olds Legion Hall, with proceeds going to the Olds and District Christmas Angels who provide toys for children of all ages.
“We're calling it the Christmas Angels Benefit Concert and Dance,” coordinator Penny Marks says.
Cocktails are at 5:30 p.m. A turkey supper will be provided at 6:30. The family dance and concert will begin at about 7:30 p.m. and Santa Claus is expected to arrive at about 8:30 p.m.
Christmas, as well as country, bluegrass, pop and rock tunes will be performed. There will also be a silent auction plus door prizes.
On June 4 at the legion the same group of musicians raised $3,957 for the Wood Buffalo Food Bank in Fort McMurray.
“Hopefully we'll have as good a turnout for this event as we did for the Fort Mac one,” Marks says. “(In) that one we raised close to $4,000 so we're kind of hoping that we might be able to do the same for the Christmas Angels.”
Marks says now that they're getting together again, the musicians have decided to give themselves a name.
“We now call ourselves The FunRaisers, which we thought was kind of suitable.”
“We are so appreciative of the FunRaisers for choosing the Olds and District Christmas Angels Society as the recipients of this fundraising event on November 25,” says Christmas Angels chair Lianne Manning.
“We urge the public to purchase tickets and support this group and in turn, support our local charity.”
Manning said in light of the current economic climate in the area, the Christmas Angels are expecting a greater demand for Christmas hampers from Olds and area citizens. At the same time, the local economy might also have an effect on donations the Angels receive.
"Hopefully we'll have as good a turnout for this event as we did for the Fort Mac one," Marks says. "(In) that one we raised close to $4,000."
