Helping those in need at Christmas

Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce hosting fundraiser

SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. —

The Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce is holding an event to support the Christmas Daddies Telethon and help families in need during the holidays.

The chamber is organizing a holiday block party at Off the Wallz in Slemon Park on Saturday, Dec. 3, from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free, with donations at the door going to support Christmas Daddies.

"Christmas Daddies are a very reputable and wellknown Atlantic Canadian based charity that has been helping maritime children since 1964," said chamber executive director Kaley O'Brien.

"To date, Christmas Daddies has raised over $34 million and made a difference in the lives of thousands of maritime children by providing toys, gifts, and food."

The event features an indoor

marketplace with local vendors, an indoor playground, axe throwing and a

visit from Santa Claus.

A portion of the money raised by Christmas Daddies through the telethon will be distributed locally through the Salvation Army. All money raised at chamber's holiday block party event will go back to Summerside.

The Christmas Daddies Telethon takes place annually on the first Saturday in December. This year, it will be airing on CTV2 and live streaming online on Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

There will be a cameraperson from Christmas Daddies at the block party event, and they will be videoing the onsite action to stream live on the telethon.

O'Brien said that the chamber is looking forward to the opportunity for Summerside to be featured in the telethon.

Those needing help this holiday season can register to receive Christmas Daddies donations by contacting the local Summerside Salvation Army by phone at 902-8883870 or by email at elaine. braye@salvationarmy.ca.