Immaculate Heart of Mary Christmas Concert Raises RECORD Funds for HERON EMERGENCY Food Centre

Francine Brisebois, IHM Concert Coordinator and Choir Director, Joslyn Brodeur, IHM Concert Coordinator, Lynn Sherwood, Chair HEFC Board of DirectorsSharon Daly, IHM Representative on the HEFC Board of Directors, and Fr. Frank Brewer, pastor of IHM

Last month, the Immaculate Heart of Mary Christmas Concert brought the community together in a heartwarming celebration of the holiday season. More than just a festive event, the concert successfully raised $19,835 for the Heron Emergence Food Centre, which is dedicated to supporting families facing food insecurity. This remarkable achievement reflects the power of community spirit and generosity during the holidays.

A Night Filled with Music and Joy

The concert featured a variety of performances, including choral groups, soloists, and instrumental ensembles. Each act brought a unique touch to the evening, blending traditional carols with contemporary holiday songs. The performers, all of whom are local talents, created an atmosphere of warmth and celebration that resonated with everyone present. The opportunity for the audience to participate is one of the endearing features of this concert.

The event was held in the Immaculate Heart of Mary church, which was beautifully decorated with Christmas lights, wreaths, and a large nativity scene. The setting added to the festive mood and made the concert feel intimate and special.

Community Involvement and Support

One of the most inspiring aspects of the concert was the strong community involvement. The concert committee, led by Joselyn Brodeur and Francine Brisebois are the backbone of this event. Other volunteers from the church helped during the event, managed donation collections, and prepared refreshments. Local businesses also contributed by donating supplies and sponsoring parts of the concert.

The audience included families, seniors, and young people, all coming together to enjoy the music and support a good cause. So many flocked to the church, that the church hall had to be set up to accommodate them and the concert had to be live streamed. Many attendees expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to connect with neighbours, support HEFC and celebrate the season in a meaningful way.

Impact on the Heron Emergency Food Centre

The funds raised during the concert will directly benefit the Heron Emergency Food Centre. HEFC provides food assistance to families in need. The $19,835 raised will help the centre purchase fresh produce, staple foods, and essential supplies during the winter months when demand typically increases.

Sharon Daly, the IHM representative on the HEFC Board, shared how crucial community events like this are for sustaining their programs. The money raised helps feed families and also strengthens the support to vulnerable members of the community.

How the Concert Raised Nearly $20,000

Several factors contributed to the impressive fundraising total:

• Local Musicians and Singers: the opportunity to hear local musicians and singers drew people in to hear this concert.

• Donations: Generous contributions from attendees, during and after the concert added significantly.

• Sale of Crochet Angels: Beautiful hand-crochet angels were donated by a church member, raising additional funds.

  
  

This multi-faceted approach ensured that everyone could participate in supporting the cause, whether through attending, donating, or volunteering.

Looking Ahead: Continuing the Tradition

Given the resounding success of this year’s concert, organizers plan to continue this annual event. The goal is to build on the momentum and continue supporting the Heron Emergence Food Centre whose work continues to support those community members who are food insecure.

Community members are encouraged to get involved by volunteering, donating, or simply attending future concerts. Every contribution helps strengthen the support network that makes a difference in people’s lives.

Final Thoughts on Community and Giving

The Immaculate Heart of Mary Christmas Concert showed how our community can come together to celebrate, support one another, and make a tangible difference. Raising nearly $20,000 for the Heron Emergency Food Centre is a powerful reminder that generosity and kindness are at the heart of the holiday season.

Events like this inspire hope and demonstrate the strength found in unity. They encourage us all to find ways to contribute, whether through music, volunteering, or simple acts of kindness. The spirit of giving is alive and well, and it continues to grow with each shared effort.