INNISFAIL – Innisfail and area families recently came together to enjoy breakfast with a special guest.
The Innisfail Kinsmen Club held its annual Breakfast with Santa at the Innisfail Library/Learning Centre on Nov. 24.
“It’s been a good day; there’s a good turnout,” said John Schneider, president of the service club. “Everybody seems to be having fun.”
The annual event raises money for Cystic Fibrosis Canada, said Schneider, noting this year’s event raised about $1,000.
“Cystic Fibrosis Canada is the group that Kin Canada raises money for. We try to do one or two events a year where we raise money directly for that so anything we make with the Breakfast with Santa goes directly to Cystic fibrosis,” said Schneider, noting the Family Day event in February also raises funds for CF.
He noted the fundraiser is a success thanks in part to local volunteers, including the Bow-Inn 4-H Beef Club, and is an event that is well supported by the local community.
“The Bow-Inn 4-H Beef Club comes out every year and helps us,” said Schneider. “The kids come out, they make pancakes, they help us set up and clean up and they always have fun.
“It is a well attended event,” he added, noting the role social media plays in the event’s success. “We seem to fill all our events so I think we’re doing well.”
About 200 families came out for the Breakfast with Santa this year.
“This is our second year. We look forward to it,” said Lindy Jensen, an Innisfail resident. “The kids like the pancakes and Santa.”
Jennifer Leinweber and her family were enjoying the Breakfast with Santa event for the first time.
“We just moved to the community,” said Leinweber. “I’ve taught here for years, but we moved to Penhold in June so we’re going to try and be more (involved) in community events a little bit more.
“It’s fantastic. It’s great to see the community out and people supporting the 4-H Club and the Innisfail Kinsmen Club,” she added.
Schneider said they were happy to see so many families out for the Christmastime event.
“Everybody seems to enjoy it and we’re happy to do it,” said Schneider. “It’s something we’ll continue to do for years and years.”
