Christmas is that time of year when we look on hand made crafts celebrating the season with a special fondness. Christmas craft sales take place in almost every community, and people flock to the tables of crafts, baking, quilts, and other seasonal goodies, never quite sure what treasure they’ll find.
It’s why the annual Beta Sigma Phi Christmas Craft Sale in Hope is always a favourite.
The sale takes place at the Legion Hall on Nov. 18, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and features an array of crafts too numerous and varied to list.
Suffice to say that there are tables upon tables of handmade stocking stuffers, and maybe even the stockings themselves, for sale. You’ll see some old favorites, like handmade Nash sweaters, interspersed with new and imaginative creations of every size and sort.
Of course, no craft sale would be complete without coffee and snacks (also of a seasonal nature, no doubt), door prizes, and a chance to meet your neighbours. That last opportunity is perhaps the most important as Christmas is, if nothing else, the time of year when existing friendships are strengthened, old friendships are renewed, and new friendships are forged.
The Beta Sigma Phi Sorority has organized the Hope craft sale since the 1980’s and, as always, while there is no admission charge, there is a contributions jar for those coming to the sale. All the proceeds will go to making someone else’s Christmas just a little better.
The funds raised by donation at the door , as well as the money raised by selling the table space to industrious crafters, will go to Holly Days and the Transition House in support of those escaping domestic violence. It’s only appropriate to fund charities of that kind during a season that celebrates peace, hope and renewal.
Linda Kerr, one of the organizers for the sale is excited about the prospect of making this year’s sale better than ever.
“‘Tis the season to be saving, and nowhere in the lower mainland can you find handmade crafts at the prices these presenters manage,” said Kerr.