The Christmas Bureau of Edmonton raises money in order to provide a holiday dinner to people in need. They expect to help over 60,000 this winter, with most of the recipients being families with children. Surrounding cities like Leduc and Strathcona may also be among those who benefit from the Bureau’s services. Its appeal speaks to its diverse client base:
“When you buy a table to the Christmas Bureau Breakfast, you're helping to make the holiday happen for your senior neighbour living alone, the single dad struggling to provide for his children that attend your child's school, the single mom that serves your morning coffee. The people the Christmas Bureau serves are people you see every day, but don't know the struggles they are facing, especially at Christmastime.”
The fundraising breakfast will take place on the morning of December 18 at The Westin Edmonton. In addition to the food, there will also be live and silent auctions, raffles, and an appearance by a certain man in a red suit.
The breakfast will be hosted by local media personality Briget Ryan. These events frequently get the word out through poster printing, social media, flyer printing, or plain word of mouth.
The Christmas Bureau has been existence since 1940, when it was a special committee of the Edmonton Council of Social Agencies. This is the 37th year it has run a fundraising breakfast. For those who can’t afford the plate cost or simply don’t want to get up early, the Bureau is also accepting donations throughout the lead-up to the 25th.