The Catholic Women's League (CWL) held its annual bake sale at the Christ King Parish Hall Saturday afternoon, Nov. 7, as community members turned up to show support and help in the fundraising efforts.
With its forthcoming 90th anniversary in 2016, it is one of the oldest annual events held in the community.
"Our oldest member came here in 1960, and said it was an annual event at that time," said Patricia Standage, secretary, Stettler Catholic Women's League and president, CWL Zone 5. "This is our main fundraiser, and last year we raised just over $1,100, and this year the turnout was very good, too."
Although Standage was not able to give a figure, she thought that the funds raised this year would be even better than the last.
"We are expecting it to be equivalent if not better, and we use the funds to buy coffee and tea for our church kitchen, besides donating to different charities in the community such as the Christ King School, the Food Bank and the Central Alberta Women's shelter," said Standage. "We donate a wreath on Remembrance Day and a Catholic church camp, also giving to other charities, such as refugee welcome bags that are endorsed by our church and Catholic Missions."
The funds from the previous year have been used to repair the church roof and for the general upkeep of the facility.
"The tea is a more formal event as we get everyone to sit down and be served angel food cake with lemon sauce, or strawberries and whip cream, and tea and coffee," said Standage.
For the raffle table, people had donated items, including a book basket of Christmas books, candies and movies, some homemade crafts, some movie tickets, a figurine, and a George Foreman Grill.
"My experience this year was as usual very rewarding, it's wonderful to see many friends, come together for an afternoon of friendship and relaxation," said Standage. "The money raised always goes to a good cause, and we are blessed to have so many wonderful people support our cause."