OLDS — A local business is holding an event with raffle proceeds going to support the Olds & District Christmas Angels Society.
For more than 20 years, volunteers for the society have been providing food and new toys during the Christmas season to less fortunate families and individuals living in Olds and area.
The charity has done that entirely through the donations of individuals, organizations and businesses that provide the cash and gift donations for Christmas Angels hampers.
This year, Bulldogs Saloon has announced that it’s holding a Grey Cup party Nov. 20. Doors open at 1p.m., kickoff is expected to occur at about 4 p.m.
“We will be donating 100 per cent of the proceeds to Olds & District Christmas Angels Society,” a notice from organizer Kevin Proteau says.
During an interview, Proteau said the plan is to raffle off about $1,000 in prizes.
“We’re hoping to get a good turnout. It’s going to be tough because Calgary’s not in it so we’ve got our work cut out for us here," he said with a laugh. “But I mean we really want to try and get as much as we can for (the) Christmas Angels.”
Proteau, who moved to Olds from B.C. about six months ago, says he was motivated to organize the fundraiser because he likes what groups like the Christmas Angels do for the community.
“When I was a kid, my dad drank a little too much and those kinds of groups really helped us out, going into women’s shelters and stuff like that and so I understand how (needed) they are in our community,” he said.
Proteau said organization of the event has been in the works for about three weeks.
"We are always thrilled when a business or organization chooses us as a recipient for donation," Joy Cavin of the Christmas Angels wrote in an email.
