Big-hearted theatre-goers put the “Community” in “Community Christmas Concert” on Sunday November 29. The family-friendly variety show packed the Frank Venables Theatre, and overflowed into the lobby. Performers generously donated their talents. Local choristers (the Sage Valley Voices, OES Choir, and Holy Cross School), OES Handbells, and Oliver Dance Studio filled the stage with dazzling sound and movement. Popular performers Ken Repkow and Mikie Spillett, Aimee Grice, and Dawn MacRae, and musicians Lori Martine and Brian Mapplebeck gave with gusto in the spotlight.

This year, the organizer – Oliver Community Arts Council – received a boost from the Community Theatre Society, who co-presented the event and provided technical support. Sponsors helped the production keep costs to a minimum: Oliver Daily News, Your Dollar Store with More and The Bargain Shop! Thanks for helping to maximize donations to the local Food Bank.

Patrons responded with generosity, both with donated admissions and food bank goods. Grocery bags filled with food were donated along with cash proceeds of $695.96 – all to the Oliver Food Bank.

Thank you to all who donated time, talent, food, and money.

Pictured, committee members Brian Mapplebeck and Shirley Corley Rourke in Santa hats with “the goods”.

Photograph and story by Penelope Johnson