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108 Mile Santa breakfast attracted 70 gleeful youngsters

Organizers need volunteers from younger families for next year's event
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108 Mile Ranch Community Association (RCA) co-ordinator Bev French

By Melissa Smalley

Children who live in the 108 Mile Ranch were treated to a fun morning with two very special guests this month, when the 108 Mile Ranch Association and the 108 Lions hosted their annual Breakfast with Santa.

The Dec. 3 event saw more than 70 youngsters flock to the 108 Community Hall for a chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, according to organizer Bev French.

Children enjoyed a pancake breakfast served by the Lions before getting their picture taken with the famous couple from the North Pole, who arrived to the hall by fire truck.

"Santa visits with every single child, he doesn't rush anyone," French notes.

In addition to meeting Santa, children were given goodie bags, helium balloons and the chance to go "ice fishing" in a makeshift pond full of teddy bears and dolls.

Non-perishable food items were collected at the door, and French says this year four large boxes of goods were donated to Loaves & Fishes Outreach, the 100 Mile House & District Women's Centre and the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre.

French says the successful annual event, which has been taking place for several decades, is a community effort. She notes the help of the Lions, the volunteer fire department and co-organizer Kathie Knutsen as a "huge help" in pulling off the event.

"We've been doing this a really long time, but we're really in need of more help," French admits.

"The event takes a lot of preparation and it's so nice for all the families, and we really need the help of some new, younger families and parents to help out."

Anyone who is interested in lending a hand for next year's Breakfast With Santa is asked to e-mail bevfrench@shaw.ca.