Why would a woman never be Santa?
Because she wouldn't wear the same thing two years in a row!
With that bit of holiday fun, Santa Claus kicked off the holiday season during the 10th annual Seniors Tea on Thursday, Dec. 4 at Heritage Woods secondary in Port Moody.
The event, organized by the students in the school's Independent Directed Studies program, drew nearly 200 seniors who feasted on treats such as goat cheese tarts and cranberry scones made by students in Foods 11 and 12. The guests also watched a student dance performance, listened to a choir sing a holiday medley and joined in an old-fashioned carol sing-a-long.
One of the highlights, of course, was a visit by Santa, who showed up with two elves in tow and carrying a big black bag of goodies to give out.
"This is our way of giving back to the community," explained Kamil Kulewski, who helped organize the event, which has grown from about 30 guests to the gala it is now which involves weeks of preparation, including inviting seniors from the neighborhood and local senior centers, such as Hawthorne in Port Coquitlam.
The seniors The News talked to said they enjoyed the event, and one said it's her second year attending because last year's tea was so successful. "It's bigger and better," acknowledged Vivian Fraser, who lives in New Westminster but volunteers in the Tri-Cities.
Everyone was having such a good time no one noticed the crowd of students watching the proceedings from the second floor. But some Heritage Woods students got to be a guest and hang out with some of the community's elders.
"I like it because it brings everyone together," said Grade 10 student Heather MacSporran.
Kulewski admitted it takes a lot of work and planning to put together but it's become a school tradition, and next year the Grade 11 students plans to be involved again.
"Come back next year," he said, as the felt antlers he wore bobbed on his head.
And why not, with all that was going on that afternoon, the seniors tea at Heritage Woods is obviously an event that's not to be missed.
@dstrandbergTC
