MINDEMOYA—The Children Shop for Free event, held December 14 at the United Church in Mindemoya, was another great success as children and their parents were lined up at the door and outside for this popular Christmas occasion. Three elves, Eva Bond, Willie Monroe and Marion Seabrook, were seated at the entrance to the magical room to greet the shoppers, ask about the presents to be picked out and to hand out tickets for free shopping. Other elves helped out on the floor and behind the counters of the large number of items for the kids to pick out for their sisters and brothers, mommies and aunties. Meanwhile, even more elves were seated at the back of the room, ready to wrap all the presents and others were in the kitchen serving coffee, tea and cookies to the parents.
Elf Mary Ann Pilon, who used to play that role at the church’s Sunday School, was having a wonderful time helping the children pick out gifts at her jewellery counter which looked like something out of Tiffany’s in New York City. Ms. Pilon had her necklaces, earrings and bracelets displayed to perfection with strings of pearls and other necklaces inside and hanging from beautiful wine glasses. “How about this necklace for your mom?” Ms. Pilon asked one young shopper. “With matching earrings?” And this particular shop was very busy as kid after kid stopped to pick a beautiful piece of jewellery for Mom while other children bought stuffed animals, books, all manner of toys, toiletries for Mom and sisters and many household items. Altogether, a great shopping extravaganza for the kids and a testament that the Christmas spirit is alive and well on Manitoulin.
Betty Bardswich
