The yuletide was in and surf was up Saturday as people gathered at the Decadently Yours cupcake shop on Surrey Street to raise money for a good cause and celebrate the 5th annual Christmas in July.
“It started off as a customer appreciation day,” said Jenn Bonner, one half of the sister team that owns Decadently Yours. “That was the original thought of it five years ago working with the Guelph Fire Department. It turned into a charitable event and it went so well we thought what a great way to give back to the community.”
Each July they select a different local charity and funds raised this year went to a timely cause.
“Mental health is a big concern right now so we decided to partner up with Family Counselling and Support Services who are only two doors down from us,” said Bonner.
Joanne Young Evans, executive director of Family Counselling and Support Services for Guelph Wellington at 109 Surrey St is a regular customer at Decadently Yours and was excited to be part of the event this year.
“We were thrilled,” said Evans. “Many of our youth programs and other programs aren’t funded so sponsorship programs like this really, really help so we can offer more programs in the city.”
They provide assistance to people with developmental challenges as well as families.
“Our organization works with individuals and families for the purposes of counselling for trauma and abuse,” said Evans. “We work with those who are being abused as well as those who are doing the abusing.”
They have a walk-in clinic every Wednesday in Guelph and have expanded the service to other parts of Wellington County.
“We have one in Mount Forest now and we have one in Fergus where you can walk in and see a therapist immediately,” said Evans. “There is no wait time and that is really important. You need mental health services as quickly as possible.”
The event this year included raffles for gifts donated by local businesses and individuals, a barbecue, ice cream and, of course, cupcakes.
Magic 106.1 hosts Lisa Richards and Laura Vere broadcasted live from the event. Richards even created a Magic Cupcake, white chocolate raspberry, and all proceeds from its sale were donated.
Christmas is a magical time for kids and the event is meant to bring out the kid in everyone.
They got to meet and interact with characters from Paw Patrol, Darth Vader, Spiderman, Peppa Pig, Olaf the snowman and Guelph Storm mascot Spike. There were games, face painting and a chance for kids to get their Christmas wish list in early to Santa.
“Every year we seem to be getting bigger and bigger,” said Tara Riddell, the other half of the sister team at Decadently Yours. “It’s awesome. There have been tons of people already. This is what we want. We want lots of people to come out. It’s a great event and it is a great charity we are supporting. It really is for the kids. We want them to come out and have fun.”
The record-high temperatures made it their hottest Christmas to date, but it didn’t hurt the festivities.
“Oh my gosh we couldn’t be happier,” said Bonner. “This is the hottest, definitely. We just hope Olaf doesn’t melt this year.”
