Allyson McDonald did her utmost to ensure that everyone enjoyed a light lunch.
The Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Manager, Ticket Sales, was among dozens of volunteers from throughout the community who served meals to youngsters at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel and Conference Centre on Thursday.
McDonald made the season brighter at the 31st annual Festive Kids Luncheon by wearing an oversized necklace that consisted of battery-powered Christmas lights.
“It’s great to support the community,” she said. “It’s dear to my heart to give back and it brings nothing but joy.”
McDonald was part of a Roughriders contingent that included two players — receiver Mitch Picton and defensive lineman Charbel Dabire — and, of course, Gainer the Gopher.
Gainer offered high-fives and hugs to hundreds of wide-eyed students from Albert Community School and Sacred Heart Community School.
“And they all cheered when Santa came in,” McDonald added. “They were so excited.”
McDonald was joined by colleagues Tyler Daku (Lifecycle Marketing Specialist), Larry Dean (Player Personnel Co-ordinator), Denis Evmenenko (Marketing Data Analyst), Morgan Fleury (Digital Media Co-ordinator), Rob Harrison (Volunteer and Guest Experience Manager), Chloe Le (Senior Accountant), Nick Mazurak (Director, Corporate Partnerships and Premium Sales), Ryan Jupp (Game Entertainment and Community Events Co-ordinator), Rebecca Perigny (Manager, Marketing and Fan Engagement), Karina Peterson (Manager, Game Entertainment and Community) and Arielle Zerr (Director of Communications).
The sporting community was also represented by the PFC’s Regina Thunder and the WHL’s Regina Pats.
“It’s a great community initiative and event,” Pats CEO Gord Pritchard said. “It’s great to see the smiles on kids’ faces and, for them to get a nice turkey meal before Christmas, it’s awesome.”
The Pats’ contingent included the team’s all-time leaders in points (Dale Derkatch) and games played (Frank Kovacs).
Derkatch, the Pats’ General Manager and the proud owner of 491 career points, was joined by Tristan Frei (Assistant GM), Ken Schneider (Assistant Coach) and the hockey team’s long-time mascot, K-9.
Kovacs, who played in 352 games with the Pats from 1987 to 1992, was one of many Regina Police Service employees who once again turned out in large numbers at the Festive Kids Lunch.
“It’s a wonderful event to come to,” Insp. Kyle McFetridge said. “It brings the community together. It’s wonderful to see all the different community organizations working together to bring a smile to the kids’ faces.”
The extent of the contributions was evident from the moment attendees arrived at the Doubletree by Hilton. A firetruck was parked outside the hotel.
Regina Fire and Protective Services and STARS Air Ambulance are perennial supporters of the event.
“This is the 31st year in a row that we have done this event with the same two schools,” said Nicole Kaminski, the Doubletree’s Human Resources Manager.
“What is really special is having teachers come back who once attended this event as students. It’s gratifying to know that we’ve made such an impact on those people.
“It seems like a simple thing for us, because this is what we do. We put on events. We put out lots of meals and we put on lots of banquets. But it is a big deal in the community.
“When we can invite this many children to come and experience what so many people don’t get to experience is really special.”
Kaminski has been part of the event since being hired by the Doubletree 13 years ago. But it was all new to Cheryl Ranganadhan, who is in her first year as the hotel’s Director of Sales and Marketing.
“It’s all Regina together,” she said with a smile. “That’s what makes it so great.”
