“Unbirthday Party” donates birthday supplies

Melissa Strle
Times Reporter

 

Macaroni Kid Strathmore-Wheatland held its first annual “Very Merry Unbirthday Party” in Kinsmen Park on Friday, Aug. 19.
The event collected items to create birthday packages, which will be donated to the local food bank and the Wheatland Crisis Shelter.
Macaroni Kid founder Aia Clamp said, “In tough times it’s really challenging to provide everything for children, so it’s either put food on your table or throw a birthday party and sometimes they have to make that choice.”
According to Clamp, there is a lot of need in smaller areas for these types of programs.
“There have been quite a few requests from the food bank about cakes and other party supplies,” said Clamp.
Strathmore’s Hand in Hand Parent Link Centre supplied some kid’s activities during the event and a representative from Barefoot Books did story time. Strathmore’s Nut Out Cakes made an Alice in Wonderland-inspired cake for all to share with the popular Cheshire cat displayed on the top.
From the birthday party items collected at the event, Macaroni Kid assembled birthday party kits that included cake mix, party favours, plates and cutlery, decorations, balloons and various other birthday party items, and presented them to the food bank.
The Unbirthday Party was created from the collaboration of different publishers through Macaroni Kid and Clamp, who said she would like to see the event continue.
“We’d like to see it grow next year for sure,” said Clamp.
people and breaking down the barriers of isolation,” she said.
The society is also providing workshops in rural communities this fall. Pottery is planned for Standard and Rockyford, while Hussar will feature zentangle.
For more information on the upcoming programs or to register, call 403-983-3640 or visit the website at hopebridges.ca.