Community Living’s ‘Christmas in the Caribbean’ raises $55,000

A recent fundraiser held by Community Living Fort Erie (CLFE) is being celebrated as a financial success.

The annual Christmas Around the World event focused on all things Caribbean when about 400 people attended the event at the Leisureplex banquet hall on November 16.

It raised $55,000 toward capital expenses, such as ongoing replacement of wheelchair vans, board chair Betty Talbot told Fort Erie Radio on the weekend of the gala.

Adding to the excitement was a spectacular grand prize donated by WestJet, a travel voucher for two round-trip tickets to any destination they serve.

The lucky winners of the evening’s highly anticipated draw were Welland residents Mathew and Katie Cromack, who are now eagerly planning the adventure of a lifetime, said a news release this week.

The Cromacks will embark on their dream trip next August with plans for a two-week European excursion.

Starting in Dublin, Ireland, they’ll explore the United Kingdom and Europe, including Leeds, England, which is Mathew’s father’s birthplace.

They will then visit Scotland, Spain and Rome.

While their children were rooting for trips to Tennessee or Disneyland in California, Mathew and Katie decided to make this trip all about fulfilling their own long-held travel dreams, says CLFE’s news release.

“This donation from WestJet, through their Airport Community Giving Program, was a fantastic addition to our event,” said Talbot, noting the WestJet raffle raised $6,220 on its own.

CLFE is also thankful Garrison Automotive Service, the event’s diamond sponsor, “whose generosity was instrumental in the evening’s success.”

“Appreciation also goes out to the local businesses that sponsored tables, donated prizes, and to everyone in the community who purchased raffle tickets or attended the event,” said the news release.

The release also noted that proceeds from Christmas in the Caribbean fundraiser directly support CLFE’s efforts to “promote inclusion, growth, and opportunity for individuals with developmental challenges.”

Stay Informed

Events, offers, contests, and breaking news, all delivered straight to your inbox.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Subscribe