Central Alberta families celebrated the winter season at an event hosted by Family Services of Central Alberta.
The nonprofit organization hosted its annual Children’s Winter Celebration at Parkland Mall on the morning of Saturday, Dec. 7.
"We're using the storybook Winter: A Solstice Story as a basis for the event," explained Judy Scott, FSCA executive director.
"Children are going through a walking storybook. We have stations set up with activities, and each activity is based around that story and all the things the animals from the book do — they make a bird feeder, they make a light decoration that goes on their Christmas tree when they go home."
Winter: A Solstice Story is written by Kelsey E. Gross and illustrated by New York Times bestselling artist Renata Liwska. The book follows a group of animal friends in the forest during the longest night of the year.
FSCA reached out to the author to ask for permission to organize an event influenced by the book. The author gave the Red Deer organization approval and even sent materials that were put on display at certain stations.
The FSCA has hosted this Children’s Winter Celebration for the past couple years in partnership with the Parkland Mall.
"We always bring something different and try to do something creative each year. This year, we decided to use the storybook," said Scott.
"This is a free event and it's an opportunity for families to come have some fun, enjoy the activities and forget about stress. Sometimes that's what we need in life."
The organization planned for as many as 200 attendees. About 125 people came to the Children’s Winter Celebration in 2023.
FSCA aims to support individuals and families at every stage of life. One holiday program offered by the organization is Gifts for Grandparents, which delivers bags of snacks and gifts to isolated seniors.
"Families are struggling," Scott noticed.
"We noticed the donations are a bit down, but ... there will be enough to make a difference."
Currently the organization needs more donations of cracker boxes. Donations of lightweight blankets, boxes of cookies, chocolates, candy, large-print word search or crossword puzzles with games, socks and cash or grocery store gift cards are also being accepted. These donations can be dropped off at the FSCA office at 5409 50 Ave., as well as a number of other locations throughout the city.
For more information on Family Services of Central Alberta, visit www.fsca.ca.
