Santa Claus is coming to town? Christmas in July fundraiser at Royal Canadian Legion Chilliwack-Vedder

“It seems to be a big thing everywhere,” Tutt said. “So many businesses have started Christmas in July, and we thought, because we just formed 295, it would be nice to put on a venture between the two branches.”

After a lull in fundraisers for over two years because of COVID-19, Tutt said it was high time to make a strong comeback.

“I thought it’s time we did something, have some fun,” she said. “Debbie’s just been amazing, talking to different merchants around town and finding items for our gift bags.”

Debbie Halvorson is the assistant event coordinator for the Ladies’ Auxiliary at Branch 295 and said the event would be “eye-opening” for young children.

Image: L. Gomes / PML / Debbie Halvorson (left) and Wanda Tutt (right).

“Bring the kids because this way there are stories to be told,” Halvorson said. “They can see what’s going on, look at the pictures, and talk to some of the people about the different stories.”

Adding to the sentiment, Tutt said, “They need to know about our veterans. A lot of them don’t because it’s really not taught in our schools enough.”

Children attending the event will also be able to get their picture taken with Old Saint Nick.

“We’re going to have a bunch of vendors coming out, and these are local vendors that we have tried to keep in mind so they can get support from everyone,” Tutt said.

A turkey dinner will be hosted for the latter part of the evening (5:30 p.m.), with tickets on sale for $15 each.

“We’ll have Christmas music during the day, and at our dinner, Peter Montgomery will be playing music,” Tutt said, referring to the local musician.

Image: L. Gomes / PML / Some of the handcrafted touques by the Ladies’ Auxiliary going on sale at the Christmas in July event.

Both Tutt and Halvorson have deep ties to veterans and want to give back.

“For me, my father-in-law fought in the war, and I know what he went through,” Tutt said, tearing up. “And it’s just that our veterans really need a lot of help and they need respect.”

For Halvorson, her grandfather was in the army, and now her son is also serving his country.

“My son was in the Navy, now he’s in the Air Force,” the proud mother said, holding back tears. “We’re so proud of him and he’s just proud to be serving our country.”

The free event will be held at the Branch 295 headquarters at 5661 Vedder Rd. between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

by Laurice Gomes

Santa Claus is coming to town? Christmas in July fundraiser at Royal Canadian Legion Chilliwack-Vedder

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