‘The Gift of Christmas’ reaches out to those in need

Sabrina Kooistra
Times Junior Reporter

 

The Christmas spirit filled Strathmore High School’s (SHS) theatre on Dec. 7 with the first ever “The Gift of Christmas.
Hosted by young locals Kortnee, Brooke, Brittyn and Khloe Paiha, this sold-out musical event raised a total of $1,100 to support the Wheatland Crisis Shelter and its outstanding seasonal needs.
The event featured local and Calgary area talent of all ages, including the Strathmore Children’s Choir, Casey Tucker and 2015 Calgary Stampede Talent Search winner Christian Hudson.
Audience members were treated to both contemporary songs, such as the comical rendition of “Text Me Merry Christmas,” a reflective “Grown Up Christmas List” and traditional Christmas carols such as “O Holy Night.” While the evening’s performance list was predominantly singing numbers, the event featured an emotional interpretive dance by SHS student Madison Ferraton during Brittyn Paiha’s “Mary Did You Know.”
Despite all four balancing demanding school and university classes, logistical planning commenced late this summer, with local business support from Booster Juice, Shoppers Drug Mart’s Beauty Boutique and Kim’s Kafe. In addition, all four sisters rehearsed their own solo and group performances.
In spite of the challenges, Brooke Paiha felt that it was an overwhelming success.
“We wanted the children at the shelter to feel special on Christmas. We believe every child should feel loved, regardless of the circumstances they might be in,” she said. “We are so grateful for the work everyone put in to help us make the event such a great success.”