A festive concert raised Christmas spirit and essential funds for those in need in the community.
The third annual 'Our Christmas Moment' hosted by local musician Peter Tam raised $1,850 for the Salvation Army Ridge Meadows Ministries.
The concert took place at the intimate setting at Westacres, home of the Maple Ridge Music Society, where about 50 people packed the venue to hear the musical talents of Tam on the Steinway grand piano, in addition to classical opera singers, and violin and cello solos – all on the theme of Christmas.
Admission was by donation with all money going to the charity.
"This goes towards our Christmas kettle campaign, which is our major fundraiser," said executive director of the Salvation Army Ridge Meadows Ministries Major David MacPherson. "It's what helps pay for everything we do from the community and family services side," like support for food and clothing, he said.
And, MacPherson added, the need it increasing all the time from the back-to-school supply program to school lunches.
"We're up to over 800 a week, on our way to 1,000," he said.
Registration for the Christmas Village program was full within two days, noted Amelia Norrie, also with the ministry.
The Christmas Village campaign is taking place now at Canadian Tire in Maple Ridge where the public is being invited to take an ornament off the Christmas Wish Tree located in the store, purchase the gifts on the back, and then leave them at the store to donate to someone in need.
MacPherson noted that so far this year the kettle campaign is down in donations by about 15 to 20 per cent compared to previous years.
"Our kettle goal is $100,000, so this is a big chunk of that," said MacPherson about Tam's donation.
