Vince Jackman and Tom Kereluk have been filling their house with decorated artificial Christmas trees for 18 years. (Vince Jackman)

By Alessia Proietti

Fundraiser for the Central Alberta Human

“Sofia Celebrates Christmas” with even more indoor trees this year

Dec 10, 2021 | 12:37 PM

When it’s too cold for a stroll in the woodsy trails of Red Deer, just go to the “Sofia Celebrates Christmas” showcase.

As a fundraising event for the Central Alberta Humane Society, Vince Jackman and Tom Kereluk are back again this year, filling their three floor house in Clearview Meadows with even more trees and a return of in-person showings.

“Every room in the house has one if not more, just depending on how big the room is and everything with that. They all range from small trees like two or three inches all the way up to the 12 foot tree that we have in our front room,” said Jackman.

Last year, 129 decorated artificial trees were mounted and showcased via a virtual tour as a result of pandemic restrictions.

This year, a total of 138 trees were put up by Nov. 10 with house tours set up for the end of the month. Following provincial guidelines of mask wearing, small gatherings of 10 to 20 people were present along with appointment-based visits.

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The idea began 18 years ago as a Cheesecake Party spruced with some trees around the house, raising money for the Central Alberta Women’s Shelter. After the passing of their pure bred Chihuahua Sofia four years ago, the theme of the event gradually inversed, focusing on Christmas trees with a side of cheesecakes.

Born the runt of the litter, Sofia was given a prognosis of only a few years to live. Jackman and Kereluk rescued Sofia and after investing in multiple veterinary bills, the puppy lived for 12 years.

“She was the most lovable dog you could ever have. She was my sidekick; everywhere I went she was with me, cuddled with me, everywhere,” said Jackman.

Another thing Sofia loved: Christmas.

“Every Christmas, if you couldn’t find her she was always underneath some of the Christmas trees. Laying there just underneath the tree on the Christmas mats,” he said.

Taking in two other rescue dogs after Sofia, Jackman and Kereluk began raising funds for the Humane Society and the large amount of pets available, rendering the shelter a full house.

This year, they’ve raised $2,000 in funds, food donations, and other pet related items.

“If people are looking to adopt, please come down, give us a call and set up an appointment with one of our animal care attendants and see what we have in shelter,” said Jackman. “Make a fur baby’s Christmas special.”

With the Winter Wonderland of trees remaining mounted until after the holiday season, Jackman and Kereluk are also spreading their Christmas cheer through their TikTok channel @vincejackman.

Most importantly, they’ll be sharing videos of their three favorite trees this year: polar bear, chandelier and the Royal family.

Next year, the duo hopes to go even bigger, as apparently, they have international competition.

“Then I find out that somebody in Germany has 444 trees… So now I’m thinking I got to up my game a little bit,” said Jackman.