Are you looking for a wonderful way to give meaningful gifts to all those on your holiday shopping list? The answer is to attend the second annual Gifts That Give Hope Fair at Western Financial Place on Saturday, December 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The gift fair is an event that is full of ‘holiday spirit.’ There are treats, music, swimming, skating, crafts, and a one-stop shopping venue for everyone on your list! The idea of the Gifts That Give Hope Fair came together to help promote meaningful gifts that not only give to the recipient, but also give back to the community.

This one day event will bring together 14 non–profit organizations. A shopper attends the fair and selects a variety of ‘gifts’ for people on their lists that match their interests in the community. Each of the 14 organizations has three ‘gifts’ at three different donation levels.

The shopper uses one shopping list to purchase as many gifts from as many of the organizations as the shopper chooses. Children also have the opportunity to purchase gifts for loved ones and they can do so with their very own child-friendly shopping list.

Alternative gifts fill a direct and tangible need, such as books for children or temporary shelter for a person in need. Family members and friends are touched to know that the gift they have just received will have a very real and meaningful impact on people and communities in need. The alternative gifts are also the perfect solution for that ‘hard to shop for’ person on your list.

How the Gifts That Give Hope Fair works

Shoppers at the Gifts That Give Hope Fair will enter the Fair at no charge. Upon entering, shoppers will be given a “shopping list” with all of the non-profits who are represented at the fair. They can stroll among the booths and talk to area non-profits who will have information to share about their mission and current projects.

As shoppers browse, they can match what charities they might support with the interests of the people on their gift list. Once complete, shoppers can checkout and pay for all gifts at once, eliminating any pressure to give to particular causes or groups at the individual booths.

In fact, the Gifts That Give Hope Fair’s anonymous checkout eliminates multiple transactions. Shoppers may pay by cash, cheque, or credit card, and one hundred percent of all donations go to the designated charities. Once a gift is given, the shopper will be provided with a lovely card for each gift purchased saying what it was that they bought and they give those as the gifts.

Information for Non-Profits

The Alternative Gift Fair offers the community a positive holiday experience, exclusively featuring the missions, activities, and contributions of Cranbrook and area non-profit organizations.

The Gifts That Give Hope Fair will provide space, tables, chairs, and sponsors to underwrite overhead costs and marketing materials. The non-profits will provide warm and friendly personalities to staff your space, information regarding your organization’s mission, involvement, activities and needs, shopping ‘list’ with your non-profit’s specific donor needs at a variety of levels, and assistance with marketing the event.

Non-profits that are interested in participating should complete the Application Form at www.giftsthatgivehope.org. Non-Profits with questions regarding the event should contact Patricia (250-919-576) or Riley (250-426-1119).

Participation is on a first come, first served basis and we must limit participation to 14 non-profits. The deadline for applications is October 31; however, participation will be allotted on a first come, first served basis so we encourage early applications for guaranteed space.

If an area business or individual is interested in helping support this event, sponsorship opportunities still exist. Please contact Patricia (250-919-576) or Riley (250-426-1119) at [email protected]. Thank you to this year’s supporters thus far, Snap’d East Kootenay and Jim Pattison Broadcast Group.

Submitted

Article Share