Nativity Festival Raises $700 and Food Donations for Vegreville Food Bank

The congregations of St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church and Vegreville United Church co-sponsored their first Annual Nativity Festival at the United Church. There were more than 300 nativities on display during the festival, which was held on November 25 and 26. Visitors also enjoyed child-friendly nativities, live music by church members, and a surprise visit from Mrs. Claus who assured the children that her husband was very busy working with his elves at the North Pole. The churches provided complimentary hot dogs, freshly baked cookies, and refreshments.

Admission to the event was free, but donations for the local Vegreville Food Bank were joyfully accepted. In turn, the event successfully raised about $700 cash and collected 123 lbs of food. Lisa Topilko (pictured at far right) of St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church, and Pat Beuhler of the Vegreville United Church, delivered the donations to the food bank on Tuesday, November 29. 

Discussions are already underway to expand and improve the event for next year! Submitted by the Rev. Laureta Blondin, rector, St. Mary's, Vegreville

Pictured, l to r: Joanna Karczmarek, Vegreville Food Bank Coordinator; Pat Beuhler, Vegreville United Church; Lisa Topilko, St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church.