Angela Hupalo (right) of the Iota Phi Toy & Book Drive, collected donations from the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce event. Left to right, Chamber Sales and Membership Services Carla Pepe, Chamber President Pier Donnini and Chamber General Manager Joanne Robbins.

Hub Staff

The holiday season was well underway at the Queen’s Bar & Grill November 30 as it hosted the Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Christmas Social following the Chamber's General Membership Meeting and Elections.

See: Chamber expands its scope with new Board of Directors

Guests relaxed as they were served a whole array of appetizers by the Queen's and listened to live music from Smokin' Dave, a musician who’s new to the area, while they networked with other Chamber members or would-be members.

People were encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to the event for the Iota Phi Christmas Toy Drive and cash donations were also accepted, which were collected later in the evening from Angela Hupalo of the Iota Phi Toy & Book Drive.

Iota Phi is also collecting toys at various locations throughout Saugeen Shores until December 9 including Rexall, Home Hardware and the Post Office in Southampton; and Walmart, Canadian Tire, The Legion, Rowland’s Independent, Fitness Corner, Giant Tiger, 98 The Beach, Dollar Tree, Saugeen Shores Police Station and Lakeshore Recreation in Port Elgin.

Hupolo said that as of November 30 they had 80 children from 52 families on their list for Christmas gifts. “Shopkins has been one of the most popular that the kids want,” she said, adding that Thomas the Tank Engine had been another popular request.

She said that they didn't have a lot of toys or gifts for teenagers and so the cash donations went towards buying gifts for teens and was surprised to discover that a lot of the teen requests had been for arts and crafts supplies. “It’s amazing this year, they're not asking for a lot of gadgets, they're asking for more artistic things,” said Hupalo.

Business After Hours will break for December, with the next event being held at the Southampton Arts Centre on January 19.

Saugeen First Nation Chief Lester Anoquot (left) and Allen Deleary, one of the new Saugeen Shores Chamber of Commerce Directors, were enjoying the festive atmosphere of the Business After Hours Christmas Social.

Saugeen Shores Deputy Mayor Luke Charbonneau and Saugeen Shores Chamber General Manager Joanne Robbins at the November 30 event.

Left to right, Michelle Travis, Steve Herzing and Stephanie Gillespie Shular were relaxing at the Christmas Social, held at the Queen's Bar & Grill in Port Elgin.

Musician Smokin' Dave entertained guests at the Business After Hours Christmas Social, November 30.