The COVID Grinch has stolen Christmas in Muskoka again.
According to the organizing committee for the annual fundraising event, and the St. Clair Catholic District School Board, the annual Christmas charity event is postponed for 2021.
“With the ongoing uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the risks associated with large indoor gatherings, we believe our only option at this point is to postpone the event again this year,” Gerri Brown, co-chair of the Christmas in Muskoka committee, said in a media release.
In nine years, approximately $800,000 has been raised for Grade 7 Catholic elementary school students and the student leadership team from Ursuline College. More than 3,500 students have received financial support to attend a four-day outdoor learning experience at the Muskoka Leadership Camp on Lake Rosseau.
At past events, 40 designer Christmas trees were raffled off each year. The trees were provided by local businesses and organizations, and one from each of the Catholic schools in Chatham-Kent.
“Christmas in Muskoka has brought our Catholic schools and the Chatham-Kent community together at one of the most important times of the year,” Scott Johnson, director of education for St. Clair Catholic, said. “We are grateful for the support this event provides for hundreds of students to participate in an outstanding educational experience.”
Organizers hope to see the event return in 2022, and have planned the event for Nov. 15-19 next year.
