Santa, snacks, and smiles at AAFRC celebration

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Facilitators, parents, and little ones had a jolly good time at the Altona and Area Family Resource Centre (AAFRC) Celebrate the Season event.

The Dec. 3 celebration took place at the Altona United Church and included a variety of activities, including a crafting table, snacks, a holiday sing-along, and an opportunity for photos with Santa. Festive attire, including ugly sweaters, were encouraged.

AAFRC coordinator Nina Edbom-Kehler said it was delightful to see all the babies, toddlers, and preschoolers interact. 

“This annual event gives me an excuse to wear all my crazy decorative clothing, and I just love seeing the kids in their outfits, whether it’s a sparkly dress or a reindeer sweater. My greatest joy is to hold those babies.”

The AAFRC has also lined up a series of activities to bring holiday cheer to families. The “Deck the Halls” program, in partnership with the Altona Library, offers four sessions for families to create holiday decorations this month.

AAFRC actively engages with the community to support early childhood development and family well-being. The non-profit organization is based in Altona but extends its services to neighboring communities like Gretna, Rosenfeld, and Emerson, offering free parent-child programming for preschoolers and their parents.

Photos by Lori Penner/Voice

Edbom-Kehler noted that 2024 has been a busy but different kind of year for the centre. 

“We try to see what’s working for us and the parents, where are the gaps, and we try to provide what’s needed.”

Lori Penner
Lori Penner
Reporter, Altona Rhineland Voice. A journalist since 1997, Lori Penner believes everyone has a story to tell. Growing up in rural Manitoba, she has a heart for small town news, covering local and regional issues and events, with a love for people and their communities, pride in their accomplishments, concern for their challenges, and a heart for the truth. Manitoba’s Flood of the Century acted as a springboard for her career in journalism. Sharing the tragedy and determination of those who battled and survived “the Raging Red” spawned a life-long fascination for human-interest stories, earning her top industry awards in topics ranging from business, politics, agriculture, and health, to history, education, and community events. She was honoured to receive the MCNA Reporter of the Year award in 2019. As well, Penner’s personal column, Don’t Mind the Mess has appeared in publications across Western Canada. With 26 years of experience as a columnist, reporter, photographer, and as an editor of several rural newspapers, Penner has interviewed people from all walks of life, and is committed to sharing the news that impacts and reflects the values, concerns, and goals of the communities she covers.

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