The YMCA together with EarlyON Child and Family Centre held a pre-parade Winter Warm Up, with free activities for the entire family Sunday morning.
“We invited the public to come into the YMCA to enjoy some winter festivities, and some holiday celebrations before the Santa Claus Parade began,” said Nicole Beattie Vice-President philanthropy, marketing, and communications.
The idea for the event came during last year’s parade.
“My family and I were watching the parade together out on Chippewa Street, and I thought what a great opportunity to bring the community together at the YMCA before the parade starts,” said Beattie.
“Because the ‘Y’ really wants the community to know it has open doors and that it is a place for members, and non-members to congregate, we invited them to come and to enjoy some fellowship. So we thought what a great opportunity in 2018 to open our doors before the parade.”
Out of that, the Winter Warm-Up was born, open to everyone.
“We invited our partners at EarlyON to do lots of activities, so we have a Santa letter writing workshop as well as some crafts. And Tim Hortons has sponsored all of our coffee, and hot chocolate and we have some treats for people to enjoy before the parade.”
Nancy Gratton spent time with her granddaughter doing crafts.
“It’s really cool because you can come ahead of time before the parade comes by the ‘Y’ on Chippewa Street. I love this, and so does my granddaughter,” said Gratton.
Brenda St. Jean liked the idea that the kids were kept busy right up to parade time.
“I think it is a wonderful idea. It gets the kids in the community all together. It gives families a little bit of extra quality time. And the kids aren’t standing out in the cold getting all cranky and anxious. It is great.”
Shelly Price from EarlyON explains what options were available to the youngsters.
“Once the children are finished with their letters to Santa, there are envelopes there, so they deliver them at the parade. Upstairs we’ve got a playdough station, a reading nook and a craft table, and little mats set up for the wee folk,” said Price.
Rylie Brown was concentrating on just what to ask of Santa in her letter.
“I think this is fun. I like writing a letter to Santa and doing crafts. This year I’m asking for legos.”
Nicolas Richard and his sister also took advantage of the opportunity to play and stay warm before the parade.
“I’m enjoying playing with the playdough. And I like being able to talk to my friends.”
“This is all about community,” said Price.
“I love the partnership. We’re seeing people who come to the ‘Y’ all the time, so we’re meeting them. We’re seeing people who come to EarlyON a lot, so we’re seeing them, and just having everyone coming out together it’s all about community, and I just love it.”
Organizers were pleased with the turnout for this first-time event.
