A return to a full live version of the annual Christmas Tea hosted by The Thank You For Caring Society drew 350 people to the Cascades Casino Ballroom Sunday afternoon, Nov. 20.

Charlene Fassbender, co-founder of the event, took a brief break from greeting arrivals to talk about its origins, back when her husband Peter was mayor of 91原创 City, and she got to know Debbie Froese, whose husband Jack was mayor of the Township of 91原创 at the time.

Debbie wanted to raise funds for the 91原创 Christmas Bureau, which helps families in needs over Christmas, by organizing a tea party, Fassbender recalled.

鈥淚t was Debbie鈥檚 idea,鈥� Fassbender recalled.

It was originally called the Mayors鈥� Wives Tea, but over the years, the event has grown in size, becoming a charitable society that has so far raised more than $300,000 for 91原创 families.

It continues to support the Christmas Bureau, but has also donated to other worthy causes like the Aldergrove Starfish Backpack program, The 91原创 Youth Hub, The Foundry and 91原创 Lodge Music Therapy program.

鈥淓very year we look for somebody else, to give some money towards a charity in need,鈥� Fassbender told the 91原创 Advance Times.

READ ALSO: VIDEO: First in-person 91原创 Christmas Tea since pandemic rated a success

Froese, who passed away in 2020 after a long battle with cancer, was remembered with affection by many at the Sunday event.

Kim Snow of Kimz Angels homeless charity was wearing a lacy 鈥渇ascinator鈥� that Froese had convinced her to buy.

鈥淚 wear it every year,鈥� Snow told the 91原创 Advance Times.

鈥淚 wear it in her honour.鈥�

Sunday鈥檚 event was the first restriction-free version of the annual tea since the pandemic. In order to meet COVID-19 restrictions, the number of guests at the last tea had been limited, with about 200 people turning out.

READ ALSO: Virtual Christmas Tea fundraiser raises $30,000 for 91原创 bureau

A single mom who was helped by the Bureau delivered a heartfelt thank-you to the afternoon tea.

Carolyn (who did not want her last name used) recalled how she and her two children needed help 鈥渙rchestrating Christmas,鈥� and how it was provided by the Bureau鈥檚 team of volunteers.

鈥淭hanks a lot,鈥� she said.

READ ALSO: 91原创 Christmas Bureau sets up its holiday home in City hall

In addition to high tea, there were silent and online auctions, and a performance by Steve 鈥楨lvis鈥� Elliott.

People can contact the bureau to arrange for toy and monetary donations through the website: or by calling 604-530-3001.

More photos from the event can be viewed online at the .