Dear Christ Church friends,
This has certainly been a challenging year! Many new ways of doing things have been required. An expression often used to describe what we have to do in the time of the COVID-19 Pandemic is… we need to pivot! As disappointing as it is, but perhaps not surprising, this letter is to let you know that we will not be able to hold our Traditional Christmas Bazaar this year.
We have received instructions from the Diocese of Huron which state, “Indoor sales are not permitted at this time due to difficulties of ensuring the safety of both volunteers and purchasers.” Outdoor or on-line sales events were suggested by the Diocese as alternatives. Outdoor sales in early December would be very difficult to manage, if not impossible on a snowy day. We do not have the expertise or manpower to offer on-line sales, and also, there are 16 parishioners who do not have computers.
We have been thinking about this for quite some time and would like to offer our suggestion… 2020 Alternative for our Traditional Christmas Bazaar.
Not only have our bazaars always been a wonderful source of fresh home baked food, beautiful handcrafted items, a warm and welcoming place for friends and family to enjoy a delicious hot lunch, but Christ Church Traditional Christmas Bazaar has also been a much-needed source of fundraising for the ACW and our church.
In past years, many of you have personally provided ingredients and supplies to bake, preserve or make handcrafted items, and as well, often spending generously at the Bazaar. This year, we are asking for donations in lieu of your normal Bazaar support provided through your contributions of things for us to sell, your purchases and/or your volunteer hours. Any amount you feel is reasonable will be most appreciated.
Donations of cash or cheque can be mailed or dropped off to Jim Griffin.
Cheques should be made out to; Christ Church Markdale – Christmas Bazaar
Tax receipts are available for those who wish them.
Or, alternatively, a donation can be made to the ACW (no receipt) for their outreach activities and can be sent to Marilyn Blackman.
****Please email info@ccmarkdale.ca for contact information for Marilyn and Jim, should you not already have it. ****
Due to the fact that our annual Traditional Christmas Bazaar was originally scheduled on Saturday, December 5th, 2020, may we suggest that any donations please be sent on or before that date.
Thank you very much, Judi Hood and Ann Bowman