Brantford residents gathered at the Brantford & District Civic Centre on Saturday, December 7, for the city’s first-ever Christmas Skate, an event organized by City Councillors Mandy Samwell and Michael Sullivan. Combining holiday cheer with a focus on community connection, the event featured free skating, hot chocolate, and an appearance by Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and Bruiser, the mascot of the Brantford Bulldogs.
Designed to be more than just a festive outing, the event collected non-perishable food donations for the Why Not Youth Centre, a vital local organization that supports young people in need. Both councillors said the event reflects their shared vision of creating spaces where residents can come together, particularly in the wake of the isolation brought on by the pandemic.
“This is the first year for what we hope will become an annual tradition,” said Councillor Mandy Samwell. “We wanted to bring the community together, not only to celebrate the holidays but also to highlight the resources available in our neighborhoods and the importance of giving back.”
Councillor Michael Sullivan noted the additional value of community-building after a challenging few years. “This is about creating opportunities for people to reconnect, celebrate the season, and feel part of something bigger. It’s also a chance to support an incredible organization like the Why Not Youth Centre.”
The event also served as a platform for Brantford’s 27 neighborhood associations, with representatives on hand to share information and encourage residents to get involved.
Sylvia Collins, Chair of the Neighbourhood Alliance of Brant, said events like this help strengthen ties between residents and the organizations that serve them.
“Our neighborhood associations are the backbone of community connection in Brantford,” said Collins. “We’re always looking for volunteers to help us create events and programs that bring people together year-round. If everyone contributed just a little, imagine the possibilities.”
By combining holiday spirit with civic engagement, the Christmas Skate underscored the city’s commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and community support. With plans to make it an annual event, Samwell and Sullivan are optimistic about the tradition’s potential to grow in the years ahead.
