On Dec. 17th, a Christmas dance and silent auction were held in Looma (near Edmonton, AB) as a fundraiser for Our Lady Seat of Wisdom. The event was organized by the families of four current students. The Aalbers, Morrises, Isingers, and Bulmans drew dancers from across the province for an evening of music and fellowship. The group, primarily young people and their families, was both energetic and enthusiastic, and it certainly showed on the dance floor! The Barter family pulled together a play list that kept the whole room moving to the beats of the jive, foxtrot, waltz, and others. The evening also included a number of Ceilidhs (Irish country dances) called by OLSWA alumna Maria McDonald ('11), and spot dances, where the couple dancing nearest a previously picked spot in the room won OLSWA wear.

                Current students and alumni took the opportunity to share their impressions and experiences of OLSWA with the company. They praised the school’s strong community life, its commitment and fidelity to Church teaching, and the quality of the academics. When they were done speaking, they were surprised by each being handed a hula hoop to show off their twisting skills! Another highlight of the event was a Toonie Toss, where anyone with two dollars to spare could try their eye and hand at a target for the chance to win three tickets to an Edmonton Oilers hockey game.  The challenge certainly fit the stakes – the competitors aimed to land their toonies through the mouth of a mason jar inside an ice cream bucket from a room’s length away!

                Through the kindness of those in attendance, the dance and auction were an enormous success.  Over three thousand dollars was raised for OLSWA.  The Academy extends its deepest thanks to the organizing families as well as to all who came out to support Catholic higher education in Canada.