One of your faithful social scribe’s favourite events of the Christmas season is the Children’s Hospital Aid Society (CHAS) Annual Holiday Luncheon. Sure, it’s great to be one of a handful of guys amongst hundreds of appreciative ladies, but it’s the charitable work the incredible CHAS ladies do that really resonates.
Since 1908, CHAS has been fundraising on behalf of the children of Calgary and has been a supporter of the Alberta Children’s Hospital for more than 100 years. In the past 16 years alone, CHAS has raised more than $4.1 million for myriad child-related not-for-profits. In 2015, CHAS supported 23 agenices and distributed $433,280 in funding. The CHAS ladies are all volunteers. In fact, one pays a membership fee to join the group. Events as varied as the Annual Bridge Luncheon to rummage sales, Easter teas, fashion shows and the hugely successful annual golf tournament are but a few of the events the CHAS ladies captain throughout the year.
Hundreds of CHAS supporters and members gathered in the BMO Centre at Stampede Park Dec 5 for the Annual Holiday Luncheon that featured an address from keynote speaker Dr. Robbie Babins-Wagner, CEO, Calgary Counselling Centre. The centre has been providing compassionate, professional-and affordable- counselling services since 1962. As Babins-Wagner noted, 2016 has seen a 23% increase in the demand for it’s services with 8700 clients so far this year turning to the centre for help with depression. An invaluable organization, to be sure.
Other holiday luncheon highlights included a WestJet raffle, super silent auction items and the presentation of a cheque to the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation in the amount of $155,000. Kudos to co-chairs Jan Bellis and Susan Jull and their tireless team on the success of the lovely luncheon. Others in attendance this day included: auctionc hair Susan James; ticket sales chair Sabina Bahan; Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Saifa Koonar and Liz Ballendine; CHAS president Toshimi Sembo; RBC wives Debra Law, Jennifer King, Christina Heath and Carrie Ferguson; Linda Shaw; architect Suzanne Devonshire Baker; dear old friend Betsy Hickey; CHAS past president Dorothy Woolstencroft; luncheon committee members Linda Vogt and Linda Middlemiss; Herald business columnist Deborah Yedlin; Donna Remington; Jennifer Foss; Cathy Whitehead; Byblos Bakery’s Cristina Daklala; and Murlyne Fong.
The annual Children’s Hospital Aid Society (CHAS) Holiday luncheon, held Dec 5 at the BMO Centre, was an SRO success and was attended by hundreds of ladies. Pictured, from left, are Donna Remington, CHAS president Toshimi Sembo and past CHAS president Dorothy Woolstencroft. In 2015, CHAS supported 23 child-centric agencies and distributed $433,280.
The annual Children’s Hospital Aid Society (CHAS) Holiday luncheon owes much of its success thanks to the invaluable support from RBC. Pictured,, from left, are RBC wives Debra Law, Jennifer King, Christina Heath and Carrie Ferguson.
Cathy Whitehead (left) and Byblos Bakery’s Cristina Daklala were among the hundreds of ladies in attendance at the annual Children’s Hospital Aid Society (CHAS) Holiday luncheon, held Dec 5 at the BMO Centre.
The annual Children’s Hospital Aid Society (CHAS) Holiday luncheon, held this year Dec 5 at the BMO Centre, was an SRO success and was attended by hundreds of ladies. Luncheon committee members Linda Vogt (left) and Linda Middlemiss had a great time a the fun and philanthropic fete.
Pictured with Calgary Herald uber business columnist Deborah Yedlin (left) at the annual Children’s Hospital Aid Society (CHAS) Holiday luncheon, held this year Dec 5 at the BMO Centre, is luncheon keynote speaker Dr. Robbie Babins-Wagner, CEO, Calgary Counselling Centre. The centre has been providing compassionate, professional and affordable counselling services in our community since 1962.
Pictured, from left, at the annual Children’s Hospital Aid Society (CHAS) Holiday luncheon held Dec 5 in the BMO Centre, are Betsy Hickey, Linda Shaw and Suzanne Devonshire Baker. The SRO luncheon featured an address from keynote speaker Dr. Robbie Babins-Wagner, CEO, Calgary Counselling Centre.
The annual Children’s Hospital Aid Society (CHAS) Holiday luncheon is a must attend event. Since 1908, CHAS has been raising significant funds for the children of Calgary and has been a supporters of the Alberta Children’s Hospital since CHAS’ inception. Pictured at the luncheon, held Dec 5 in the BMO Centre, are luncheon co-chairs Jan Bellis (left) and Susan Jull.
