Shortreed Community Elementary marked another record-breaking year of attendance at its annual free pancake breakfast on Friday, Dec. 6, where more than one thousand were served. 

At least 1,800 pancakes and 1,000 sausages were eaten throughout the morning, and the room was abuzz with Christmas tunes and holiday cheer.

The event is put on by staff of the school with the focus of bringing the community together for a Christmas breakfast with family, said principal Chris Wejr. 

"We started setting up [the day before] and some staff were here as early as 4:45 a.m. cooking pancakes and sausages," he told The Star. 

Again this year, for kids who couldn鈥檛 make it before school with their parent, staff held a special late breakfast in the gym after the bell rang so everyone was included.

Santa was also ever present for photos with students, and made a visit to each classroom throughout the day before going on his merry way. 

"It's really about community. We are Shortreed Community Elementary school, and this is an example of the heart of that," Wejr commented. 

Wejr said he enjoys seeing the smiles on kids faces and the shared laughter among families. 

"I see the hugs and people who haven't seen each other for a while, and staff get to come back to this. It's just full of joy." 

Donations were accepted for the Sources Food Bank, but the event was completely free to attendees. 

In addition to parents and teachers, 91原创 RCMP officers volunteered to serve pancakes too.