Light a Christmas candle and sing to help others

By Lourdes Quijada

Decorated LED candles for participation in  Panama’s upcoming Carols by Candlelight event, which promises to be a pre Christmas “spectacular”  in Casco Viejo. are now on sale.

Funds raised will go to  Fundacion Calicanto which runs programs for disadvantaged children and women in San Felipe. The event will provide Panama with a community participation celebration that  the organizers hope will become a seasonal tradition far away from the jingle of cash registers.

The CanadaPLUS Club in collaboration with Panama's cultural organization, INAC,  and  Carols By Candlelight (Luces de Navidad)  Panama.  will present  the initial performance in Plaza de Francia  on Saturday December 3 featuring six choirs, a musical ensemble from the Danilo Perez Foundation,  and soloists from Opera Panama.

Residents  and businesses of Casco Viejo are planning to decorate their homes and a giant Canadian Christmas tree, donated by Gago Brothers which will stand in the Plaza. A lighting ceremony will take place on Thursday December 1.

On December 3 , a procession of candle carrying children will pass through the streets to the Plaza.

The concert will run for just over 2 hours starting at 7 pm. Admission is free but participants are encouraged to purchase a specially decorated  souvenir LED candle, complete with battery.  

Sponsors  and individuals will be given the opportunity of buying batches of candles for distribution to needy children who want to participate, and there will be a widespread selling campaign through local schools and businesses.

The candles come in two sizes, the smaller at $5, and the larger ones at $12.

10,000, Illustrated Song books containing the words of selected carols in, Spanish and English will be distributed at no charge to  schools and business outlets throughout Panama from November 14. The 24 page books are free.

Seats  will be available at a small charge ($5 prepaid, $10 on December 3) to raise additional charity funds.

Sponsors may purchase blocks of seats for lower income seniors or disabled people. Tickets for these seats will be distributed by local churches, Calicanto and sponsors.

Businesses or groups who wish to encourage employees to purchase candles for themselves or disadvantaged people,   will be provided with  “sign up” sheets.

Candle or seating orders with a combined of $50 or more will be delivered to  homes or offices in Panama city.

All purchases of $25 or more will be recognized in the souvenir book.

The concert will be followed by a CanadaPLUS  membership and VIP reception ($15). 

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, volunteer, or advertiser in the 10,000 souvenir carols book,  or want to reserve seats  buy LED candles,  or attend the reception, call 6689-6890 or email clubcanadplus@gmail.com. Make your Subject "Carols by Candlelight,"

CanadaPLUS

The CanadaPLUS club is a Panama based group with members from 22 countries, including Panama,  that creates events round the year for its members, provides a shopping discount card and the opportunity to enroll in a group health insurance plan offering big savings.