December 5, 2022 – Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce: The Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce were featured on the 59th Annual Christmas Daddies Telethon this past weekend.
The Chamber hosted a special Holiday Block Party event at Off the Wallz in Summerside on Saturday (Dec 3) in support of the Maritime-based charity, and successfully raised
$1200, which will help Island children in need this holiday season.
The event was open to the public, with admission by donation to Christmas Daddies, as well as a 50/50 draw going in support of the charity. With an indoor playground facility,
axe throwing, pictures with Santa and a Christmas Marketplace filled with local vendors, fun was had by young and old alike.
“It was great to see both businesses, and the community at large come together to help those in need at this event,” said Kaley O’Brien, Executive Director of the Chamber. “Our
member businesses, such as Summerside Toyota (who were the title sponsor of this event) were quick to step up to the plate to help make this event possible.”
A number of vendors also offered to donate a portions of their sales to the charity, notes O’Brien, with the totals for these portion-of-sales donations by vendors such as Little Caesars not included in the $1200 total.
It was the support of the community though, that truly made this event a success. The generosity of Islanders was evident in the donations coming in at the door.
“We had two young boys come in and donate all their quarters to the Christmas Daddies telethon, because they wanted to help other kids have a great Christmas” says O’Brien.
“It was small gestures like this that left the biggest impression on staff, volunteers, and participants.”
Christmas Daddies has been raising money for maritime children in need since 1964 and have partnered with the Salvation Army Maritime Division to provide Christmas
assistance, such as toys and food support, for children and families in need. The current inflationary pressures and other lingering effects of Fiona and COVID-19 have resulted in
many more families seeking assistance this Christmas.
“We currently have 400 families registered for assistance this holiday season” says Elaine Bray, Corps Officer and Pastor at the Salvation Army in Summerside. “There is a great need in our community at this time, and the funds raised for Christmas Daddies at the Chamber’s Holiday Block Party event are much needed and appreciated, and will
certainly be put to good use.”
With requests for aid still coming in, the Summerside Salvation Army is extending their registration period, and will accepting registrations this Thursday Dec 8th from 10am to 3pm at the Summerside Salvation Army.
About The Chamber:
Established in 1900, the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce is a volunteer organization made up of business and professional people sharing a common goal — the
economic development of the Greater Summerside area. Small and large businesses from virtually every sector and profession form the membership.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
on how the funds raised by Christmas Daddies are distributed to serve those in need, please visit www.christmasdaddies.org
Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce
www.summersidechamber.com
