Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Amandalina Letterio

CHRISTMAS IN KAMLOOPS

Fifteen-year-old Kamloops girl raises over $14,000 (and counting) for Kamloops Hospice through Christmas Charity Drive

Dec 16, 2021 | 3:54 PM

KAMLOOPS — Fifteen-year-old Cassie McNutt is busy decking her house with Christmas lights for her third annual charity drive at her home in Kamloops.

“I love seeing other people’s reactions to it, definitely, because once we raise an amount of money or giving back to people, people get so happy about it. I’ve had so many great memories from doing these charity drives, just from other people in the community,” said McNutt.

This year, the drive is raising money for Kamloops Hospice. Donations can be made in person or online.

Cassie says Hospice holds a special place in her heart.

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“My dad’s dad, dad’s brother, and best friend have all passed there, so it’s really close to home for us,” McNutt continued.

“We just love visiting there because what they do for everyone is just amazing,” she said.

The Charity Drive isn’t the only way Cassie and her family are raising money for Hospice.

They are also hosting an online auction through Hospice’s website, where more than $16,000 worth of items have been donated from local businesses.

Over $14,000 has already been raised through these efforts, but the fundraising doesn’t stop there. The family is even collecting items for the Hospice thrift shop, Flutter Buys, and has been dropping off bags of goodies throughout the week.

“You could put it into perspective and say that would probably buy about 8 or 9 months of groceries for Hospice,” said Wendy Marlow, Executive Director at the Kamloops Hospice.

“But we are starting a campaign for to raise funds for lifts, so it’s safer to move our patients in the rooms, that are from the ceiling, and so those funds will go towards that,” Marlow explained.

Cassie’s house is decked with more than 20,000 lights that shine so bright that they even caught the attention of someone special — Santa Clause is in Kamloops!

“All the way from the North Pole I can see the glow,” Santa told CFJC.

He’s helping Cassie spread Christmas cheer by spending time with children and dancing the night away.

“Oh we’ll do all of it, yeah. Whatever it takes to bring a big smile to their face. We’ll be handing out candy cane treats, they can come and tour around the lights and take some pictures underneath,” the big guy explained.

The house will continue to sparkle until December 31. McNutt said she loves bringing joy to the Kamloops community.

“Little kids come by and they see Santa and they get so happy and they just run up to him. It’s the best thing, I love it,” she said.

Those wanting to meet Santa can do so on Saturday (Dec. 18) at 5215 Dallas Drive from 6 p.m to 8 p.m.