Christmas came early for the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia, as long-time resident and arts patron Joyce Hamilton gifted $10,875 on Nov. 24.

During a cheque presentation at Victoria Hall, Hamilton was joined by Sarnia Community Foundation Executive Director/Petrolia Community Fund Administrator Mike Barron, Sarnia Community Foundation Board Member Ginny Newman, Petrolia CAO/Treasurer Rick Charlebois and VPP Co-artistic Director David Hogan.

Hamilton said she was happy to provide a donation because of the fond memories she has of Victoria Playhouse.

“This theatre is a very important place to me,” she said. “I remember the Lion’s Frolics in the parking area, and dancing in the ballroom upstairs as a teen … (I’m) so glad we have the theatre in town.”

Hogan thanked Hamilton for her generosity.

“Knowing part of Mrs. Hamilton’s life has been so impacted by the arts and the VPP is extraordinary. It is with gratitude and love that we accept this generous gift,” he said.

The Sarnia Community Foundation is host to a fund called the Petrolia Community Fund where financial gifts can be shared with Petrolia in a specific or non-specific way for the betterment of the community. These gifts are provided to various organizations throughout the year via a micro-grant program each winter.

For more information about the fund, visit sarniacommunityfoundation.ca.

The VPP recently announced its 2023 season, which is entitled So Much to Celebrate!

For tickets or for more information, visit thevpp.ca or call the box office at 1-800-717-7694. Group tickets, VIP to the VPP members and subscriptions are already on sale. Single seats go on sale Dec. 12.

From www.sarniathisweek.com.

Photo: Victoria Hall, Petrolia.