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Frosty the Christmas Horse Fundraising Team Says, “Thank you, Fort Erie!”

Christine Whelan, FEO, December 19, 2024, VOL. 6 ISSUE 8

On Saturday, December 7, for the fourth year, Team Frosty pulled off another memorable event for COPE, thus for the Greater Fort Erie area.

This year, Gary Hass, fundraising organizer, says the turnout was phenomenal. “Due to the contributions from the Fort Erians, a couple of anonymous donors and our volunteers, we consider the event a success.”

The coordinators estimated 250-350 people dropped by The Plaice, a substantial increase from last year.

“And I just want to say, Thank you, Fort Erie.”

To make the day more special, Hass commented on the Christmassy ambience, “Mother Nature gifted us with the most beautiful backdrop.”

Frosty the Christmas Horse, who was there with his owner, Lauren Spada, is used to crowds and loves being the center of attention.

J.P. Beauvais brought Lacy and Luna, sibling cows. Gary commented, “Both of them had an abundance of hugs and kisses. People lined up to feed them food and take photos with them.”

Local author Samantha Meli, a wonderful member of Team Frosty, was on-site selling her children’s story books. Samantha is also the artist who created the ‘Frosty the Christmas Horse’ colouring book, which has been distributed around town, including local schools.

And, of course, the children were thrilled to see Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Fort Erie Made An International Impression

Gary had a story he wanted to share. “We had the students from Crystal Beach Academy come out to assist us. They are hockey players from 17 different countries of the world here to grow and develop their skills in playing hockey. They were so impressed that our community would stand up and help those in need. One said, ‘In my community, nobody can do this because nobody has any food to give away.”

He commented on their enthusiasm and commitment to the event: ” If we needed anything done, they did it. They made snowmen. They made our day. They were a highlight of the day with the stories they told of their countries and the impact the day’s experience had on them.”

Once again, the Air Cadets stepped up and played their part this year. “We had the Air Cadets directing traffic. They were constantly busy.

“We also have to give accolades to the students from Lakeshore Catholic in Port Colborne and GFESS who came out to put on our candy canes costumes, our Mickey and Minnie Mouse costumes.” With a laugh, “They were hugged to death.”

Saturday’s event ran from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., and at about 3:00 p.m., Hass said COPE’s van that was brought to the site had to be taken back to the food bank to unload to make room for everything else coming in.

The Food Barrels

It’s not too late! The barrels are still out at several locations until December 20, when they will be collected and brought to COPE for its food bank shelves.

There are no upcoming events at this time.