Kris Kringle, the main man in Scandinavian Christmas lore, is coming back to Prince George to celebrate the silver anniversary of the annual luncheon held in aid of the Child Development Centre.
The Kris Kringle Luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Civic Centre.
"This is our second year at the Civic Centre. There's lots of room for everyone," said Darrell Roze, CDC executive director, who remembers the annual scramble for tickets to the sell-out event.
That's because people like the Kris Kringle tradition and the Scandinavian legend from whence it evolved.
In early days during Christmas time in Scandinavia, people made wishes to God, and Kris Kringle was responsible for carrying the messages to God, and had the honour of delivering the fulfilled wishes to the people, the legend goes.
Every year, Kris Kringle shows up, dressed in red vest, laced-up furry boots, Viking horned hat, with sword and shield, just like in the days of the Vikings.
Just as importantly, all proceeds go to the CDC for therapeutic need of the more than 1,000 children served on an annual basis.
"We have 16 therapists, including speech, occupational and physiotherapists," said Roze.
"It seems the children are younger every year, the youngest are a major priority because we get the greatest impact the younger they are," said Val O'Connor, a long-time CDC director and advocate.
"We work closely with the neonatal clinic's many prematurely borne children. With today' improved technology, many more are saved than in the past. The most severe premature children will have disabilities," O'Connor said.
Guests at the traditional Christmas luncheon, which is always a picture with bright colours and sparkling tables, will be welcomed by Kris, and may participate in a silent and live auction, balloon raffle for prize of a blue topaz and diamond ring valued at $2,500 by Ken's Goldsmithing.
Participating guests will play a heads-and-tails coin-flipping game that's rather like musical chairs. The last person standing will win a West Jet trip for two. Second and third prizes are a spa-themed basket by Les Beau Visage and an artist print, respectively.
Tickets, at $38, are on sale now at the CDC on Strathcona or by calling 250-563-7168. Tables for 10 to 12 people are popular for staff and groups from organizations.
