Spirit of Christmas alive, well thanks to holiday-loving volunteers
Motorists driving through Gimli in recent days may have noticed an abundance of Christmas decorations adorning corners, businesses and pathways along Centre Street, First Avenue and in various other locations.
The beautiful displays are a labour of love for the Gimli Christmas Elves, a group of Christmas-loving, good-spirited people who decided to bring their love of the holiday season to Gimli in a big way.
The Elves consist of Karen Debraga, Susan Holfeuer, Debi Gregory, Lori Lemieux, Corinne Larsen, Brenda Whitney, Melanie Johnson and Kristine MacLean Ennis. The Elves also have a number of volunteers, mainly comprised of family and friends.
“We Just wanted to bring joy to the community after COVID,” Halfeuer said, speaking alongside Debraga, who she refers to as “Mrs. Christmas,” due to her “24/7 love of Christmas.”
“Karen is a Godsend,” Holfeuer said. “She joined us in our second year, and with her connections and experience, has brought so much by way of art and decoration.”
Many of the painted decorations were created by Debarga and Gregory.
In their humble beginnings, the Elves were based out of a small dormitory at the Gimli Industrial Park. The space was provided by former mayor of Gimli, Lynn Greenberg.
“I worked at House of Silk in Winnipeg for 8 years and when I reached out to them for donations, they generously answered the call,” Debraga said, noting the business donated more than $10,000 worth of decorations and supplies.
“Greenberg realized that we were in need of more space and allowed us to use the space behind the old Hydro building. We were then based out of a trailer for a while.”
As the Elves continued to expand their collection of art pieces and large decorations, current Mayor Kevin Chudd provided them with a warehouse in the industrial park, which is where the group continues to create and expand.
“We first began cutting out and painting the displays in Debi’s back yard in the summer. As you can imagine, the weather did not always cooperate,” Debraga said, laughing.
“Us Elves are grateful to the RM of Gimli for their generosity, and give a big shout out to the Public Works Department for the much-needed help in setting up the larger displays around town.”
Over 60 painted pieces are now situated throughout town, along with 25 decorated 8-foot poles. The Elves are especially proud of the addition of a mailbox at the entrance to the Betel Home Foundation at 96 First Ave. This mailbox is for anyone wanting to send a card to residents in general, or for a loved one that resides in Betel.
Other new and noteworthy additions are the decorated archways adorning the walkthrough from First Avenue to Second Avenue, as well as the decorating of the Motor Vessel Namao ship in the Gimli Harbour.
The Gimli Christmas Elves have received many donated decorations from generous people throughout the community and are always grateful to receive more, they said.
“No decorations are left un-used, as the indoor decorations we received have been provided to some businesses in town as well, such as the RM office, post office, Betel Home Foundation and the library. The donations have been amazing. Without them this would not be possible,” Debraga said.
The Gimli Christmas Elves always welcome new volunteers as well as more decorations. They are also encouraging local businesses to join in by lighting up their spaces and adding to the spirit of the season, she added.
In a true display of humility, these Elves and are not looking for recognition — they are, however, always excited to meet future Elves.
Express Photos Submitted
More than 60 assorted Christmas decorations are now on display throughout Gimli, thanks to the efforts of the Gimli Christmas Elves and support from local officials and businesses
