ChIPS and Christmas Chaos: Celebrating Community Spirit in Fox Creek

 

Fox Creek, Alberta – November 15-16, 2024 — The Children’s Indoor Play Society (ChIPS) has been a cornerstone of family support and community programming since its establishment in 1980. With a rich history of involvement, ChIPS continues to strengthen its impact, exemplified by their highly anticipated annual event, Christmas Chaos. We sat down with Jessica Oko, a dedicated board member and this year’s lead organizer, to gain insight into the event’s significance and ChIPS’ overall mission.

A Community Member Committed to Giving Back

Jessica Oko is no stranger to Fox Creek. Having grown up in the community and returned in 2018, bringing with her a deep appreciation for the town’s close-knit atmosphere. In 2020, she joined the ChIPS board while on maternity leave, eager to make a difference for local families. With two young children and a full-time job, she quickly recognized the need for reliable childcare options. “We desperately needed childcare in the community,” she explained. “My husband and I had to constantly juggle schedules to make it work. It wasn’t easy.”

 

Driven by this necessity, Jessica became part of the initiative that created The Fox Den Daycare. This project transformed a space across from the school, ensuring convenience for parents and providing a nurturing environment for children aged 12 months to six years. The daycare now offers breakfast, lunch, snacks, and even organizes safe school drop-offs and pickups. “It’s a beautiful setup,” Jessica shared. “The kids are engaged in crafts, playtime, and have access to indoor and outdoor spaces, which makes it all worth it.”

 

Christmas Chaos: A Signature Fundraiser

Christmas Chaos, a longstanding tradition in Fox Creek, brings the community together during the holiday season. Jessica reflected on her experience, “I’ve been volunteering at this event for years, but this was my first time as the main organizer. It’s been a fantastic challenge to coordinate vendors, recruit volunteers, and ensure everything runs smoothly.”

 

This year’s event had a unique flair, featuring local vendors offering an array of handmade crafts, baked goods, and holiday gifts. Popular stands like Amanda’s “The Last Crumb” bakery drew crowds eager for festive treats, as did Thesen’s “Bella’s Homemade,” another standout vendor known for their delicious offerings. The concession run by board member Serena and her husband added to the event’s charm. Additionally, free Santa photos sponsored by Northern Lights Fiber created memorable experiences for families. “It’s truly a collective effort,” Jessica emphasized. “The town donates space, and volunteers give their time selflessly. It takes a village, but the outcome is always heartwarming.”

 

Challenges and Gratitude

Organizing a large-scale event in a small town comes with its hurdles. Competing activities, such as sports tournaments and markets in neighboring communities, sometimes draw people away. Yet, the event’s success is a testament to the dedication of volunteers and the community’s support. “Finding volunteers isn’t easy, especially when everyone is juggling commitments,” Jessica admitted. “But seeing it all come together makes it worthwhile. People like Serena and her husband have worked tirelessly, and others stepped up, balancing their own busy lives to help out.”

The Heart of Fox Creek

For those contemplating a move to Fox Creek, Jessica shared her love for the town. “I moved here in 1996, grew up, moved away, and returned in 2018. The sense of community is unmatched,” she said. “There’s something special about raising your kids in a place where people look out for each other. The amenities, like the multiplex and nearby lakes, offer so much. My son just started hockey, and it’s wonderful that the first year is free.”

 

Jessica’s message for the holiday season was one of gratitude and hope. “We appreciate everyone who came out to support Christmas Chaos. It’s our biggest fundraiser, and every dollar goes back to the children — funding programs, updating the daycare, and making this town a better place for families. Thank you for being part of our journey.”

 

As ChIPS continues to uplift the community, events like Christmas Chaos remind us of the power of collective effort, the warmth of Fox Creek, and the promise of a bright future for the next generation.