The sights and smells of the holiday season were in the air throughout Pelham this weekend, as the Fonthill United Church celebrated another successful Homes for the Holidays tour.
Organizer Carolyn van der Sluis says she’s finally able to relax after planning and coordinating the church’s largest fundraiser of the year.
“Everyone is so happy attending the event as it’s the kick-off to the holiday season. It really makes all those long days spent searching for businesses and homes worth it.”
Fresh flowers and scented candles welcomed the over 400 attendees into each home Saturday afternoon, something van der Sluis says continues to expand each year.
“We’ve got people coming from all over to get holiday decorating and gift ideas,” van der Sluis said. “We’ve also gained a lot of returnees who have been with us since the start almost a decade ago.”
She says it’s a testament of the talent each designer and decorator provides in creating a winter wonderland in each of the six homes chosen.
The Log Cabin, Le Village, and others turn on the holiday spirit, using items out of their own stores. Attendees then head out to each location and get a taste of what the local businesses have to offer, while gorging on delicious homemade treats.
“We’ve got people who have never baked in their life bringing in cookies for the bake sale,” van der Sluis said. “Everyone chips in from the church in some capacity so the credit has to go towards all of them. It just wouldn’t be possible without the hardworking volunteers.”
The bake table alone raised over $2,000, and with tickets going for $25 each, the tour provides much needed funding into programs at Fonthill United Church.
“It’s great to see the community rally. Not only help out our church, but start the holiday season off right by shopping locally.”
There will be no down time for van der Sluis, who will soon begin making plans for the 2015 Homes for the Holiday tour.
“Seeing everyone smiling around the holiday season makes everything worth it. I already cannot wait until next year.”
