An early Christmas spectacular for all the family

There are only days left to order candles and  get reserved seats with early bird pricing, for a Christmas spectacular that was the vision of an Australian broadcaster over 70 years ago.

One man's inspiration on Christmas Eve, 1937, led to the raising of millions of dollars for charity.

Norman Banks was walking home from a late  night broadcast  when he saw an old lady  sitting alone in a room with a candle, listening to the radio and singing “Away in a Manger “

He wondered how many others in the city were also alone at that special time of year, and he planned the city’s first “Carols By Candlelight” for 1938 with a choir of 30, two soloists and a fireman’s band.  10,000 people showed up, all carrying candles.

A year later the crowd had swelled to 25,000 and over the years continued growing, and has become a staple celebration across Australia and in other countries, raising millions of dollars for charity and viewed on television around the world.

Now, thanks to the initiative of the CanadaPLUS Club, the event will be replicated in Panama, starting off with six choirs, a musical ensemble from the Danilo Perez Foundation and star soloists from, Panama Opera.

Funds raised will go to Fundacion Calicanto which runs programs for disadvantaged children and women in San Felipe.

The organizers hope  that the community involvement event will become a seasonal tradition far away from the jingle of cash registers.

The CanadaPLUSClub incollaboration with Panama's cultural organization, INAC,  and Carols By Candlelight (Luces de Navidad)  Panamais backed by numerous sponsors including Estrella Azul, Copa Airlines, Panama Pacifico, Arco Properties,  Palo Alto coffee, and multiple local businesses and individuals.

The initial performance will be in Plaza de Franicia  on Saturday December 3 starting at 7 pm.

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

On December 3 , a procession of candle carrying childrenwill pass through the streets to the Plaza before the  two hour concert begins 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 to buy batches of candles for distribution to needy children, 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.

There will be seats available at a small charge ($5 prepaid, $10 on December3) to raise additional charity funds.

Sponsors can also purchase blocks of seats for seating 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 reaching  combined of $50 or more will be delivered to homes or offices in Panama city.

The concert will be followed by a VIP reception ($15 for CanadaPLUS members, $20 non members).

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, or  volunteer, or want to reserve seats or buy candles, call 6689-6890 or email clubcanadplus@gmail.com. Businesses or groups who wish to encourage employees to purchase candles for themselves or disadvantaged people,   will be provided with  “sign up” sheets.

CanadaPLUS

The CanadaPLUS club is a Panama based group with over 250 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.