Irvine mom’s group calling it quits after 10 years

By Tim Kalinowski
On December 6 the Irvine Moms Group will be holding its last ever kids Christmas party at the Irvine Sports Complex. The group has decided to dissolve after ten years of putting on the annual Christmas festival. Founding group member Candida Herrada-Spackman says it’s time for a new generation to take over in Irvine.
“At this point our kids are all grown up. It is also a really large commitment at this time of year,” says Spackman. “I really hope that another group of parents will step up. Or this maybe motivates the community to start up a community association again, and start putting on some events.”
Spackman is proud of the Irvine Moms Group’s efforts this past decade to make Christmas special for local kids, and says they intend to go out with a bang. This year all food, beverages, entertainment and gifts will be paid for by the group. Santa Claus will make a special visit. And there will be a Twoonie store so kids can buy inexpensive Christmas presents for their moms, dads and other family members.
Spackman says the group hopes to make this final celebration their biggest and best yet. They also hope everyone in the community and local area realizes how important it is for social events like this Christmas party to continue in some form going forward.
“When we started we saw a need in the community to have functions for the kids to get all the kids together and all the parents together, and get to know your neighbours and who your kids are going to school with. In a small community parents have to take that extra step to keep your children involved and get to know who is in your town,” says Spackman.
The Irvine kids Christmas party starts at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6.