Over the weekend Gladstone and Smithtown residents enjoyed a relaxed evening at the inaugural community Christmas party hosted by the Gladstone Evening Branch CWA ladies.
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The event was held at the Gladstone Primary School and cost $5 for a single entry and $10 for a family. By the end of the night, $800 had been collected at the gate which will all be donated to the Lower Macleay Education Network.
The Gladstone Primary School P&C also raised money by selling cold drinks and LED candles to wave while the carols were sung. The local Gladstone SES and Anglican Church joined forces to raise $375 selling good old Aussie snags for dinner.
Students from the local schools; Gladstone, Smithtown and Kinchella, took to the stage performing carols, followed by the colourful scarves of Shamilah's Ishtar Goddess Belly Dancers performing Jingle Bells. Crescent Head School joined in the fun with ‘The Teachers’ rocking out a set, and local singer-songwriters, Karen and Jim Pike, played original tunes until the event closed at 9pm.
Gladstone CWA Treasure, Lesley McDonnell donated over 100 small toys so each child who attended the event got to meet Santa and receive a gift. “Santa had the widest smile of the night,” said MC Leigh Lamey.
“The kids were so excited when he came, and were pleasantly surprised that he was handing out presents,” she added.
Fifteen lucky families also took home a gift voucher or goods hamper, generously donated by the local Gladstone business community. “Our prize list was as diverse and colourful as our town,” said Gladstone CWA Secretary Beth MacDonald.
“We received dinner vouchers, a trailer load of mulch, beautiful homewares, and possibly the largest tins of Milo I’ve ever seen. Almost every business in town donated something to help us realise this wonderful family event”.
The Gladstone CWA Evening Branch only formed in October this year but is already achieving great things across the Lower Macleay. If you’re looking to collaborate with like-minded working women or enjoy social and community events, come along to their December branch meeting on Wed 12 Dec, 6pm at the Gladstone Hall - or get in touch with the ladies directly at GladstoneNSWcwa@gmail.com.
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