Winnipeg’s North End Christmas spreads holiday cheer for families in need

Families from Winnipeg’s North End celebrated the holiday season at the North End Christmas Party Tuesday.

More than 100 families gathered at St. John’s Anglican Cathedral for an evening of food, music and – of course – presents from Santa Claus.

Families were greeted with a hot dinner, including chicken, stuffing, vegetables and meatballs.

For many, like the Fredette-Eggie family, the evening was their big Christmas celebration for the year.

It was the family’s first time at the North End Christmas, where after dinner they enjoyed some Christmas carols, dancing, and met the one and only Santa Claus.

But the highlight of the evening was going through the toy room. Every child at the party got to pick out one new toy to take home, which were donated by people in the community.

Young Starlight Fredette-Eggie, who picked out a Barbie, told CityNews seeing Santa was her favourite part.

Callie Eggie chose a teapot set. “Because it was so cute!” she said.

RELATED: North End Christmas making final push for donations ahead of the holidays

Kyle Mason, who has been running the North End Christmas for 16 years, says donations came in just in time for the North End Christmas party, and every child left with a toy.

Mason says over the last 16 years, the party has grown from 50 people to 130 families. He says it’s a way to give back to his community. It also lets families who may be struggling to provide their own Christmas for their children still have a beautiful Christmas celebration.

Nicole Balanuyk, who came with her family, says this is one of the reasons she enjoyed the night.

“It’s really good, because some people can’t do it. It’s just really good to bring people together,” she said.