ESTEVAN - The Estevan Bible Camp (EBC) offered a fun afternoon of socializing, great desserts and fundraising during its annual ladies' tea on Dec. 1 at the Estevan Comprehensive School.
The event was held in the school's library instead of its traditional home of the cafetorium, but that didn't change the fun that was had or the level of support, according to director Shawn Bissonnette. More than 100 people were present.
"It was still quite well attended and quite well supported. We all had a good time. It was overall a great success," said Bissonnette.
Ten tables were set up, each with a different theme. One person at each table was responsible for supplying food and inviting nine people to join her.
Another 25 vendors were present with their products for sale. Bissonnette said they brought homemade products and Christmas items, providing a great opportunity for guests to get their shopping complete. Winter toques, woodworking, wine bottle stoppers, pens, books, mugs, crafts, baked goods, bath soaps, makeup and other items were available. Each vendor also brought an item for a silent auction.
Bissonnette said this is an event that brings a lot of different people together and it has become very important for the EBC. The Bible camp enjoys hosting it every year, and it's a chance to create awareness of what's happening at their grounds while the EBC raises funds.
Bissonnette and Laden McKenzie provided an update on how last summer's Bible camp season went, and they shared future goals and where the funds would be directed.
"The idea for the next step for camp, it looks like for us, is upgrading some of our cabins because last year we were quite short on space and we were sleeping people wherever we could and bringing trailers in. It was quite a mission," said Bissonnette.
"Our cabins are very tight, and for our teen campers, who are taller and they come for a full week, and they pack a full week's of clothes … getting that all in the tiny cabins, that was a challenge," he added.
Each cabin costs at least $20,000, Bissonnette said, and can accommodate seven campers and a counsellor. He believes the fundraiser brought in about $5,000 in net proceeds.
