Two High Country women are getting into the Christmas spirit in more ways than one this month.
Ann Kramer and Mandy Janicki are organizing a Christmas market to give their friends and neighbours another opportunity to shop locally while raising money for a family in need.
The Diamond Valley Christmas Market takes place Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Griffith Memorial Centre in Black Diamond. All proceeds will go to the Perdue family.
Jeremy Perdue, a Turner Valley RCMP constable, was diagnosed with leukemia last spring and his wife Kira is raising five young children, balancing frequent trips to hospitals, homework, bedtime and youngsters worried about their dad.
Area residents have taken on several initiatives for the family including preparing meals, babysitting and raising money to help them purchase a more reliable vehicle for Kira’s frequent trips into Calgary.
Kramer hopes the Diamond Valley Christmas Market will give the Perdue family a little more help.
“I don’t know (Jeremy) but I know he’s really sick and he has five kids and he’s been in the hospital for weeks,” she said. “If you do a market and ask for a lot of money for the tables you need to do something for the town.”
Kramer said the Perdues’ situation touched her on a personal level.
“My dad passed away of cancer,” she said. “He was in his 70s and this officer is only 35.”
Kramer added that helping friends and neighbours is just something that happens in small communities.
Kramer said there will be about 20 vendors from Okotoks, Black Diamond and Turner Valley featuring a variety of goods including candles, jewelry, leggings, woodwork, art, beauty, health, weight loss, baking and handmade soap.
“People want to shop local and they don’t want to go to the city,” she said. “It’s not too early if they want to order something. They can still get it on time.”
Proceeds from the table rental, a silent auction, popcorn and bracelets Kramer’s young sons will collect donations for and monetary contributions will all go to the Perdue family.
“We already have $500 that’s going to the Perdue family already from the table rentals and the hall rental fee is being donated,” she said. “Any left over money that we don’t use will go towards the fund also.”
Admission to attend the Diamond Valley Christmas Market is free.
Kramer said if the event is a success this year she will continue to host it annually and select a different charity each year.
To donate an item for the silent auction or for more information about the Diamond Valley Christmas Market call Ann Kramer at 403-816-3141.
