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Make a Christmas Wish come true

Making sure no child in Prince George goes without a gift this holiday season, the Christmas Wish Breakfast will take place Dec. 11 from 6 to 10 a.m.
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Making sure no child in Prince George goes without a gift this holiday season, the Christmas Wish Breakfast will take place Dec. 11 from 6 to 10 a.m. at the Kin Centre, providing a hearty meal to participants in exchange for children's gift donations.

Walking into a winter wonderland at the atrium entrance, guests will be greeted by first responders who will accept all donations.

Taking in a variety of entertainment provided by Judy Russell Presents, including carolers and dancers, guests will then be invited to make their way upstairs to the Kin I lounge where children can visit with Santa and everyone can enjoy a breakfast of bacon, eggs, sausage, hash browns, toast, coffee and tea to get their day started off right. Also making an appearance to add to the festivities will be members of the Spruce Kings and Cariboo Cougars hockey teams while two local radio stations will host their shows on site during the event.

Gift donations are accepted for all ages and for those who might be stumped as to what to get for a child, there are some suggestions, including balance bikes, trikes, scooters, building blocks, Play-Doh, musical toys, games, crayons and colouring books, doodle art, puzzles, fashion dolls, skate boards, soccer/basket/footballs, headphones, books, tickets to sporting events or concerts, gift certificates and any electronic devices, which are best suited for the hard-to-please teen.

"The holiday season is a very special time and no child should have to go without a gift at Christmas," event organizer Valerie Marsh said.

The gifts donated will go to a variety of local non-profit organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Child Development Centre, as well as to those children who must spend their holiday in the pediatric department of the University Hospital of Northern B.C.

Marsh knows there are several organizations in need in the Prince George community and said she invites them to reach out if they'd like a donation.

"Anyone who'd like to be involved or wants to partner with us can contact us so we can try and help out everybody," Marsh said.

The Pan Pacific Hotel Vancouver has hosted a similar event for the last 30 years and that's where Marsh got the idea.

"Every year I think that is so awesome - what a great idea," said Marsh, who used to be a single mom.

"So I remember those years and I was never one to ask for help. I always just did what I could and tried to do the best for my kids and I know there's a lot of people out there that don't have the capacity, the mental wellness or the family support, so I feel it's just detrimental for the kids' health and well being. I want everybody to get something at Christmas."

Marsh knows she can't do it alone.

"The community support has been amazing," she said.

"We've been really fortunate and we know already that this is the first annual. We'll be doing this again."

To be able to sort and accept ongoing donations for the Christmas Wish Breakfast, Marsh is looking for another sort of gift, a year-round 500 to 1,000 square foot storage facility.

"We'd like to invite everyone to come to the event and donate a children's gift and enjoy a good meal," she said.

"It's going to be great."

For more information, reach out to Marsh at 250-981-8827.