CALEB NICKERSON
SHAWVILLE Feb. 10, 2018
On Saturday members of Shawville United Church’s Unit #2 put an elegant twist on a years old tradition for their annual Valentine’s tea event.
Unit #2 member Sara Knox explained that they organize an annual get-together around Valentine’s Day to bring the community together and raise money for various causes the group champions throughout the year.

“This is our main event that we put on,” she said. “It’s a fundraiser for our unit, [which] also runs the Fairy Godmother Shoppe. It’s a place for young girls who need a prom dress but might not be able to afford going to a store and purchasing retail. We take donations of used bridesmaid dresses, prom dresses, accessories, shoes, everything and they can pay $20 and get a complete outfit.”
In addition, the Unit also funds two bursaries at Pontiac High School and helps out with the church’s annual community supper in November.
This year’s event had the theme Tea and Tiaras, so many were decked out in their Sunday best, along with some fancy headgear. In addition to the squad of United Church women, there was also a contingent of youngsters to help out.
“Members of the First Bristol Girl Guide Unit were here to volunteer and help us serve, so we’re very grateful for that,” Knox added.
In previous years, the afternoon was themed after lumberjacks and an afternoon in Paris. Knox explained that coming up with the themes is a collaborative effort.
“After last year’s, someone threw out tea and tiaras, and everyone liked it,” she said. “Next year we’re doing a tropical theme.”