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‘Spirit of Giving’ luncheon a chance to reflect on Wetaskiwin

Groups describe how local community boosts charity and giving
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It’s obvious this city is a generous place to live as The Leduc/Wetaskiwin Chamber of Commerce held its annual “Spirit of Giving” lunch Dec. 13 at the Best Western Hotel.

The special luncheon, held at Christmastime, gives community groups, businesses and organizations a chance to present on how they’ve helped or been helped by the community throughout the year.

The event began with a presentation by Horizons Centre, which pointed out they have a recyclables program and have recently acquired a vehicle.

City of Wetaskiwin deputy mayor Wayne Neilson gave some updates; he noted the city recently approved its budget, is looking at upgrades to the Public Works building and gave councilors a five per cent wage rollback.

Neilson also noted the remains of the former Riggers Hotel downtown will be cleaned up soon. The hotel burned down earlier this year.

Neilson noted the city has also opened its emergency shelter for the second year; the city is going it alone, as so provincial grant was received. The shelter has already hosted 36 people.

County of Wetaskiwin councilor and chamber board member Dale Woitt said the luncheon is an excellent way to showcase Wetaskiwin’s generosity.

The Wetaskiwin Health Foundation, which has been in the community for 33 years, pointed out it raised $2.1 million in 2019, it’s best year ever.

A number of other groups and businesses made one-minute presentations to the crowd, including Wetaskiwin Special Olympics, Bruller Corp., CHIPS, Maskwacis Employment Centre, Wetaskiwin and District Victim Services, Wetaskiwin Theatre Society, Re/Max Discover, The Salvation Army, the SMILES charity, the Wetaskiwin and District Heritage Museum, Wetaskiwin Co-op, Wetaskiwin Minor Hockey, Edmonton International Raceway, Wetaskiwin Ag Society and the Millet Fire Department.

Stu.salkeld@pipestoneflyer.ca