Hot Chocolate Fest raising money for Santa Claus Fund

By Samantha Johnson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on November 25, 2022.

reporter@medicinehatnews.com

The inaugural Hot Chocolate Fest is taking place now in Medicine Hat. It began Nov. 18 during Midnight Madness and will run through Dec. 18.

The fest is being hosted by Nosh in Kolab. Owner Kole Van Maarion said, “I’d seen it in other communities. The Santa Claus Fund is a charity that is near and dear to my heart. I thought it would be a great way to be inclusive with other businesses and support the Santa Claus Fund.”

There are eight participating cafes, and $1 from every hot chocolate sold will go toward the Santa Claus Fund.

When you buy your first hot chocolate, pick up a passport and then visit each café between now and Dec. 18 to complete the card. Once done, turn the card over to the ballot form and pick the hot chocolate you liked the most. Fill it out with your name and contact details and submit the completed passport for a chance to win a prize.

Each business is serving its own signature hot chocolate that is exclusive for Hot Chocolate Fest. Van Maarion plans for it to be an annual event and hopes new hot chocolates will be created each year.

Another addition is Pottery for Presents. The Medicine Hat Pottery Association has donated mugs that can be bought $30, with $26 will go toward the Santa Claus Fund and you get to keep the mug.

Participating cafes are Nosh, The Copper Leaf Cafe, The Hat’s Olive Tap, Homestead Market, Station Coffee Co., Inspire Cafe, Zucchini Blossom and The Roastery.

“It’s important for people to go out and support local cafes and restaurants,” stated Van Maarion. “It’s been a crucial time when businesses were shut down, so what a great way to go back out and support them and a local charity.”

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